Frank Alton Payne Jr. Obituary
Frank Alton Payne, Jr. was born in Richmond, California on January 9, 1938. Alton's parents soon moved the family back to Baird where Alton grew-up working on the family dairy, Callahan Farmers' Coop as well as the family-owned Texaco Station in Baird. Alton went to be with his Heavenly Savior on November 7, 2023.
Alton was a lifelong resident of Baird and a 1956 graduate of Baird High School. He enjoyed participating in Future Farmers of America and athletics. His unwavering faith, unconditional love, and remarkable strength of character sowed valuable lessons in the lives of his children and grandchildren. Alton will be remembered as a deeply devoted man to his family and God Almighty.
Alton married Mary Louise Bates on May 30, 1958 at First Baptist Church Baird and they were blessed with 65 years of marriage that produced a daughter and two sons. Alton was a member of the First Baptist Church of Baird where he served in several capacities over the years.
After attending Draughon' s Business School, Alton began what would be a 35-year career at the Texas Department of Transportation. For TXDOT, Alton was a very influential leader in Callahan, Taylor, and Jones counties, completing his tenure as maintenance supervisor of Jones County. Alton later worked for Hanner Chevrolet and enjoyed those days of seeing different parts of the state of Texas while driving vehicles for the Hanner dealership. Alton was always known to have a job and enjoyed labor and building relationships with co-workers. His favorite part-time job over the years was working as a roughneck with his good friend Bill Cason. Alton loved country music entertainment and was a regular at local musicals in Putnam, Cross Plains, Oplin, and Scranton.
Mr. Payne is survived by his wife, Mary of Baird, sons Joe (Tracey) of San Angelo and Richard (Susan) of Tuscola, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and a sister Peggy Vernon of Abilene. Alton was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Lisa Diana, father Frank Alton, Sr. and mother Cora Mae Payne, sister Martha Faye Coder, and brother Robert Lynn Payne.
Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 PM Friday, November 10, 2023, at Parker-Jacobs Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Saturday, November 11, 2023, at First Baptist Church Baird, with Dale Mason officiating. Burial will be at Ross Cemetery Annex.
The Payne family would like to thank HendrickHospice Care for their dedication to those in need and for their outstanding care of Alton. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to HendrickHospice Care or First Baptist Church of Baird.
