Payne, Stephen E., 1948 – 2019, With profound sadness we announce the passing of Steve, a loving and devoted husband and friend to all whose lives he touched, on January 11, 2019. He left us, due to illness, while sleeping peacefully. He was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to George H. Payne Jr. and Barbara J. Payne. Steve married his best friend and the love of his life Pamela in 1971. Steve loved people, always very considerate, with an easy way of engaging others to better know them. Steve was also an avid vintage car enthusiasts, restoring cars back to their original condition, showing them at local car shows. He taught himself how to play the guitar and banjo at a young age and continued to play throughout his life. In his younger years he and his longtime friend, Phil, played many locations performing folk music.
Steve was a volunteer instructor for the Six String Heroes at Jefferson Barracks Vet program. A program honoring and assisting injured U.S. military veterans through free guitar lessons and a guitar. They do it, their mission states, because they “believe music has the power to restore the soul.”
From the family of the Six String Heroes at Jefferson Barracks:
“Steve Payne, instructor and co-developer for the Intermediate-Jam, was a pillar to the program, a wonderful person and firm supporter of the Six Strings Heroes at Jefferson Barracks program. He will be missed by all of the past and current participants.”
For over 30 years Steve worked as a Service Representative/ Manager or Salesman for Waters, Varian Inc. and Agilent Technologies covering their Midwest Territories. Steve is survived by his devoted wife Pamela, his two dog babies (Holly and Midge), his dear brother Michael, along with three loving sister-in-laws, one proud veteran brother-in-law and many wonderful nieces and nephews and friends. All he loved and touched deeply.
Services: Please join us celebrating his life Saturday afternoon January 26, 2019, between 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. for visitation and 3:00 p.m. for the memorial service at Kutis South County Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, Mehlville MO 63129. The family request, please, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Six String Heroes, co: Steve Stoner, 1849 Highgrove, Dr., O’Fallon, MO 63366-4368.