Jackie Edward Payne 1935 ~ 2023

Jackie Edward Payne was born March 4th, 1935 in Cheyenne, Oklahoma to Gertrude and Wallace Payne. Jackie Passed away Saturday, December 16th, 2023 at the age of 88 years, 9 months and 12 days.

Jackie Grew up in the Cheyenne area, and attended school at Cheyenne where he graduated from high school. Jackie married Zelda (Park) at Cheyenne, Oklahoma on March 23rd, 1955 just after he finished basic training in the Army.

Jackie spent 21 years in the military and spent 2 tours in Vietnam. He earned several awards to include The Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster. Jackie served 2 tours in Vietnam, and was the First Sergeant of company’s while stationed there. After his first tour in Vietnam he was assigned as a advisor to a reserve unit in Mississippi. After his second tour in Vietnam he was assigned as a advisor to a reserve unit in Arkansas. He was assigned to other country’s for duty that included Germany and Thailand along with Hawaii, Oklahoma, Texas, and Arizona stateside. Jackie retired in 1975, but he and Zelda stayed in California, before returning back to Cheyenne in 1982. Jackie found employment with the Elk City Golf Course before he began working at the Cheyenne Nursing Center where he performed many janitorial duties. With the closing of the nursing home Jackie retired and enjoyed being an avid hunter and fisherman. He always had a green thumb and loved his flowers and planting a garden. Jackie had a soft spot in his heart for cats and regularly had numerous in and around the house. To say that Jackie was an excellent husband and father is a huge understatement. Jackie is survived by his three children, Deborah Chandler, Wichita Falls, TX, Gary Payne, Cheyenne, OK, and Kenneth Payne, North Edwards, CA; 2 sisters, Gloretta Zard and Billye Edwards, both of Yelm, WA and a host of other relatives and friends.