William Don Payne, 92 of Henryetta, died Nov. 4, 2021, in Bethany. He was born in Okemah Dec. 17, 1928, to Cecil and Alta Payne. Don joined the United States Navy in July 1948 and retired in June 1984. He was a Master Chief Torpedo-man and had many accomplishments and awards during his career. He was one of the first scuba divers for the United States Navy. He received a meritorious advancement to Chief during The Vietnam War. Don had the privilege of serving under President Ronald Reagan at the White House.
Don met Rachel Stewart and they were married October 19, 1953, she preceded him in death in 1994. Don remarried in 1999 to Frances Stewart. She preceded him in death in 2013.
Don is also preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Alta Payne and brother Louis.
He is survived by his son James Stewart Payne and Daughter in law Cheryl Payne; eight grandchildren: Ranee, James Jr., Christopher, Kerry, Brandon, Ronnie, Wesley, and Savannah; 13 great grandchildren: Delilah, Dexter, Mia, Aaron, Liam,
Angel, Alex, Audrey, Peyton, Mackena, Lincoln, Brycen and Brayden; bother Darrell and wife Mitzie; nephew Darrell Eugene; niece Lisa; great-nephew Nicholas, Zachary, and great-great Nephew Zachary; stepchildren: Teresa, Stacy, Lisa, Sturlin.
Viewing for Don will be Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021, from 2:00 till 8 p.m. at Integrity Funeral Service, 410 East Trudgeon in Henryetta.
Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, Nov. 12, 2021, at 10 a.m. at Integrity Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow with Military honors at Westlawn Cemetery immediately following the service.