William "Bill" Joe Payne

William “Bill” Joe Payne, 101 years old, of Kokomo, passed away Thursday June 11, 2026, at home. He was born on October 4, 1924, at home in Clinton County, IN, the son of John Leonard Wilkinson Payne and Effie Marie (Johnson) Payne. On April 10, 1943, he married Vivian Wheeler, and she survives.

Bill was a 1942 graduate of Russiaville High School. He held various employments throughout his life. He started his life as a farmer, he then owned and operated a gas station in Russiaville. He retired three times from Chrysler Corp. as the Fire Chief and Security.  Bill was a realtor, cars salesman, insurance adjustor, driver for Shell Oil, and was at Delco for a short time. Bill was the most social and talkative guy who never knew a stranger. He liked gardening, genealogy, crossword puzzles, completing yardwork, and raising his family. Bill was a member of the Russiaville and Taylor Lions Club. He formerly taught Sunday School at Russiaville United Methodist Church.

He is survived by Judith Tubach, Deborah Payne; grandchildren, Martin Harbin, Scott Harbin, Diane (Richard) Scott, Kathryn Fuller; sister, Patricia Pruett; numerous great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, John Payne; granddaughter, Patricia Ann Harbin; and several brothers and sisters.

Bill’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Paradigm Hospice and their nurses, as well as, the caregivers from Heart and Soul for the excellent care they provided to him.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 1 pm to 3 pm Thursday June 18, 2026, at Stout & Son Funeral Home – Russiaville Chapel, 200 E. Main St., Russiaville, IN 46979. A graveside service celebrating Bill’s life will begin shortly after 3 pm on Thursday at Russiaville Cemetery, 375 S. 775 W. Russiaville, IN 46979, with Chaplain Steven Claspell officiating. Contributions may be made in Bill’s memory to Riley Children’s Research Hospital. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.

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