Lyndon Eugene Payne
Born: October 1st, 1926
Died: October 6th, 2017
Obituary
Obituary for Lyndon Payne
Lyndon Payne
October 1, 2016 October 6, 2017
On the afternoon of Friday, October 6, 2017 the Lord called Lyndon home. He left peacefully while surrounded by family.
Lyndon was born October 1, 1926 in the small community of Belleville, Arkansas to parents Melvin and Eula Payne. At the age of 9 his family moved 300 miles from Arkansas to Rives, Missouri. The family belongings were transported by 2 mule teams and wagons. On Christmas Eve 1935, after 2 weeks of traveling,… they arrived at their new homestead. The family grew to include 2 sisters and 4 brothers.
During his youth he spent much of his time helping clear the land for farming. At the age of 17, along with many other local men, he felt his patriotic duty calling and joined the Navy in January of 1945. He was honorably discharged after the war in November, 1947. He returned to Rives to resume faming and carpentry with his father and brother.
His future wife, Louise, had married prior to his discharge from the Navy. After an unfortunate accident in June, 1949 her first husband was killed. Lyndon had known Louise since he was 9 years old and she became his wife on September 3, 1949. It was a love that was meant to be.
In 1954 they moved to Buttonwillow, CA; due to other family members moving to the area. Louise taught school and Lyndon worked part time at the school and also part time at the cotton gin. The call to return to Missouri had been strong, and the day school was out in 1955 they returned to Rives. Lyndon returned to farming with 2 of his brothers, and carpentry work with his Dad. In August, 1957 an 11 rain flooded their farmland and devastated their crop. At that time a letter was received from the Buttonwillow School offering Louise a full time teaching position (that lasted 33 years) and a Supervisory position for Lyndon over Buildings, Grounds and Transportation. He held that position until 1974.
Some of the highlights of his career at Buttonwillow Union School were; restoration of the severely damaged classrooms which had occurred during the 1952 earthquake, building the Library from an existing classroom, construction of a new gymnasium, installation of flooring for the basketball court and stage, used for multi-use. He began the CHP/Bus Driver training which included testing and multiple hours of individually supervised driver instruction in order for them to acquire their CHP certification.
After becoming a Licensed Inspector for the State of California he also oversaw the design and construction of the new bus garage at the Buttonwillow School, and in the 1980s oversaw the new track field installation.
Always civic minded he belonged to several organizations:
President of Lions Club Buttonwillow
Utility/Water Board member for Buttonwillow
President of the Chamber of Commerce Buttonwillow
He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge for 62 years; holding multiple positions, some of which were Master of the Lodge and Chaplain.
After leaving the Buttonwillow School he became a licensed General Contractor/Builder. Many homes in Shafter, Wasco, and the surrounding areas were constructed to his exacting standards. His sons Steve and Greg followed in his footsteps.
During his life he took up many hobbies; in his 50s he became a licensed pilot, purchasing a Cessna 172; in his 60s he became an avid golfer; and in his late 70s he took on the task of learning computer skills.
He loved traveling in his RV with the Trailer Club of Shafter. They enjoyed many sightseeing trips and card games with friends. Not to mention Eating, of course!
Lyndon was a member of the Calvary Bible Church in Bakersfield, CA for nearly 32 years where he made many lifetime friends. He was a true Christian man who lived by example and
He has an amazing memory and many events, family and civic, were blessed by his stories and poems.
In his later years he treasured socializing with friends, whether it be at The Red Wagon, China Cuisine, McDonalds or the Ford Theater.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Louise; and children Danny, Steve, Regina and Greg; and their families. He is also survived by one sister Eloise, and one brother Alton; both living in Missouri. And many family members too numerous to list.
The family would like to thank the entire Hoffman Hospice Team for their tender and loving care of Lyndon during their time with him. No words can express our appreciation for their kindness.
His smile and love of family will be missed by all.
Funeral Services for Lyndon Payne will be held at 10am on Thursday October 12, 2017 at Shafter Congregational Bible Church.