Edward, age 89, of Chillicothe, passed away on Friday, December 15, 2023 at Lacon Rehab and Nursing. Edward was born on May 3, 1934 in LaFayette, IN to the late William and Mary (Clemens) Payne. He married Joyce A. Birdsell on December 15, 1962 at the Chillicothe First United Methodist Church.

Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Joyce; his children, Jeff (Darlene) Payne of East Peoria, Jaris (Brian) Scherer of Chillicothe and Joe Payne of Chillicothe; three grandchildren, Aaron (Meuy) Payne, Hannah (Steve) Canales and Zachary Scherer; his siblings, Marlene Kent of Chillicothe, Sandy Dunn of Texas, Nancy Wilson of Peoria and Tom (Nancy) Payne of Lacon; and many nieces and nephews. 

Edward served in the U.S. Army before going to work in Defense Products for Caterpillar. He retired in 1992, after 35 years. Edward was a member of the Chillicothe First United Methodist Church, the Peoria Casting Club, the Fred Meister Chillicothe Community Firefighters Association, and was a volunteer firefighter for the Chillicothe Community Fire Department. He enjoyed bowling, collecting antiques, and going to auctions. Edward was quite the jokester and always knew how to make people laugh.

Cremation rites were accorded and a memorial service was held on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at 4pm at Weber-Hurd Funeral Home in Chillicothe with the visitation prior to the service at 3pm. Rev. Keith Lindgren officiated. Burial of ashes will be at Chillicothe City Cemetery at a later date. Memorials in his name may be made to the Chillicothe Community Fire Protection District.