John E. Payne 1961-2024

Born Feb. 19, 1961, to Charles William Payne and Sylvia Raymond Payne, John’s life was one defined by commitment to his family, community and country.

He graduated from Campbell Memorial High School in 1979, where he excelled as a center for the football team and was a successful wrestler. John carried his competitive spirit and leadership into his professional life.

He served honorably in the United States Air Force for over three decades, from 1980 to 2013, rising to the rank of command chief master sergeant for the 911th Airlift Wing. A cherished family memory from his deployment following the events of 9/11 was that he maintained his family’s morale by sending coded placemats with different country codes, allowing them to decipher his whereabouts. This was a true testament to his thoughtfulness, even in the most challenging times.

Simultaneously, John dedicated over 28 years of his life to the Youngstown Police Department, where he served in multiple capacities. His roles in the department included community policing, SWAT sniper, detective sergeant, turn sergeant, honor guard and intermittent work for the YSU Police Department, where he showcased his skills and compassion. John’s natural ability to defuse tense situations and his dedication to public service left a lasting impact on his fellow officers and the community he served.

One of his greatest accomplishments was serving as a resource officer, where he mentored and positively influenced countless young people in the city he deeply loved.

Outside of his professional life, John’s greatest joy came from spending time with his beloved grandchildren. He also had a passion for riding his motorcycle across the country to reconnect with lifelong friends, playing his guitars, enjoying his favorite music and cheering on the Buckeyes.

John is survived by his mother, Sylvia; three sons, Bill (Angie) Payne, Robby Payne (girlfriend, Morgan) and Jake (Ally) Payne; and Patty, the mother of his children. He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren, Dominic, Lilianna, Gianna, Myles, Shelby and Mason. He is also survived by his brother, Bob Baun; sister-in-law, Janice; and nieces, Dana, Jaymi and Pam; along with many other relatives and friends.

John was preceded in death by his father, Charles; brother, Dan; sister, Linda Zimmerman; and niece, Danielle.

The Payne family has entrusted their loved one to the care of the Wasko Funeral Home in Campbell, where they will receive friends and family 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024. A prayer service will be offered at 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11a.m. at Christ Our Savior Parish-St. Nicholas Church in Struthers, officiated by the Rev. Fr. Philip Rogers.

Military honors will be held in St. John Catholic Cemetery, Lowellville.

John Payne will be remembered as a man of integrity, service and love, a cherished son, father, grandfather, brother and friend whose memory will live on in the hearts of those he touched.

Please visit www.waskofamily to view this obituary and to leave condolences with the family.

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