Ronald G. Payne, Sr.

Ronald G. "Ron" Payne, Sr., 69, of Parsons, passed away on Friday, December 20, 2024, at his residence.  His death was unexpected.

Ronald George Payne was born on March 15, 1955, to George Mack and Jacqueline (McKnight) Payne in Kansas City, Missouri.  He grew up and attended school in the Kansas City area.  After high school, Ron attended Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Missouri, and then Bishop College in Dallas, Texas.  He earned an associate's degree and a Licensed Practical Nurse certification from Labette Community College.

For a time, he was the lead janitor for Parsons High School.  Ron was an LPN at the Parsons State Hospital and Training Center for 23 years.  In his retirement, he continued working part-time jobs at the Youth Crisis Shelter, PSH & TC, and Elm Haven West nursing home.

Spending time with and caring for his family and friends was very important to Ron.  He enjoyed being around other people and making people laugh.  He was a diehard Kansas City Chiefs fan.

Ron and Debra Black were united in marriage.  The couple welcomed Ronald Payne, Jr., to their family.  Ron and Scottie Cook were married.

Survivors include:

Two sons – Ryan Payne of Kansas City, Kansas

Ron Payne, Jr., (Takara Brown) of Kansas City, Missouri

One daughter – Molly Murphy-Payne and her mother, Karen Murphy, of Parsons, Kansas

Six grandchildren

Step-sons – Romeo Lazo and Octavian Cook

Close friends – Chris Mack and Michelle Fontelroy

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Stephen Payne.

There will be a graveside service at 12:00 p.m., Friday, January 3, 2025, at Oakwood Cemetery in Parsons.  The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Parsons.

Memorials are suggested to defray final expenses.  Checks may be made payable to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home.  They may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.