Jerry Payne, 77, of Stillwater, passed from this life on August 18, 2012 with his family by his side.  Services have been entrusted to the care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home and will be held at 10:00 Wednesday, August 22 at the Palmer Marler Funeral Home Chapel at 5106 N. Washington in Stillwater.  Public visitation will be held from 12-5pm on Monday and 8am-8pm on Tuesday.  

Gerald Oliver Payne was born on the 4th of July, 1935 in Minneapolis, Minn. to Oliver and Illa (Smith) Payne.  He attended school in the Minneapolis area and upon completion of his schooling; he enlisted in the U.S. Army.  After serving 4 years in the Army, Jerry was discharged and immediately joined the United States Air Force.  He served for more than 20 years in the Air Force before retiring in 1976 at the rank of Master Sargent.  During his distinguished military career, Jerry was stationed at Fort Hamilton in N.Y., Nellis Air Force Base in Nev., Peterson Air Force Base in Colo., Goose Bay, Labrador, Fort Huachuca in Ariz.,  Chanute Air Force Base in Ill., Manston Air Force Base in England, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Ariz., as well as bases in both  Spain and Germany.  He served several tours in both Vietnam and Korea, as a Helicopter Gunner and an Intelligence Specialist.

While in the service, Jerry met the love of his life and soul mate, Brenda Fay York.  They were married in 1964 in Phoenix, Ariz.  In 1977, Jerry and Brenda relocated to Stillwater, Okla.  Jerry worked for the Lee Company for many years.  He also spent several years working for Camco before opening Star Glass and BJ Metal Buildings in Stillwater.  Jerry retired from both businesses in 2003.

After retirement, Jerry spent a good deal of time hanging out with his friends at Best Pawn and drinking coffee with the guys at Mom's Place Jerry was a skilled mechanic and loved to work on Mustangs.  He also loved to fish, golf, raise pecan trees, shoot guns, and watching the wildlife on the property where he and Brenda built their home from the ground up.  He also enjoyed collecting Hot Wheels, working on Ford Mustangs, participating in his bowling league, and traveling to Branson as often as possible.  More than anything, Jerry Payne enjoyed spending quality time with his family and his dog “Muttsy.”

Jerry was an outgoing man who had a knack for turning strangers into friends.  He was ornery, generous, honest, and never judgmental.  He loved to make others smile and was thoughtful enough to never forget a birthday or anniversary.  Jerry Payne was a loyal husband, a caring father, a dedicated employee, and an honest friend.  He will be missed by all those lucky enough to call him friend.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Elray Payne. He is survived by his wife Brenda, of the home.  Four children: Laura Payne of Stillwater, Jerry Payne and wife Lesli, of Cabot, Ark., John Payne of Stillwater, and Christina Winemiller and husband, Jeff, of Ogden, Utah.  Two Children from a previous marriage: Scott and Sandy Payne.  A brother, Ronnie Payne of Nev., and a sister, Donna Payne of Mo.

Four grandchildren:  Brandon Young, Dayton Payne, Kaylee Payne and Aprilla Winemiller.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jerry's name to Mobile Meals of Stillwater in care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home 5106 N. Washington.  Stillwater, OK 74075

Condolences may be sent to the family via an online guestbook at www.pmcfh.com