Vance Elton Payne, Jr.

Vance Elton Payne, Jr., beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully with his family by his side on March 24, 2022 at the age of 72. He was born the only child to Vance Elton Payne and Katherine Birdwell in Huntsville, Tx. The family relocated to Nacogdoches where Vance attended Nacogdoches High and graduated from SFA. After graduating, he joined the Naval Reserves and was stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Vance was a Petroleum Landman and was in the oil & gas business for 50 years. He worked for Amoco Oil, Enserch Exploration, Stallworth Oil & Gas and retired from Lynx Energy.

Vance was married to the love of his life, Luanne Arnold, for 39 years. After retiring, he and Luanne enjoyed many great travel adventures. This past year they have made some great memories traveling with their son, daughter-in-law and precious granddaughter. The family just returned from a special trip to Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale, Missouri.

Vance is survived by his wife, Luanne, son Ross and daughter-in-law Yazmin Payne and granddaughter, the apple of his eye, Ariana Payne all of Irving, TX. He is also survived by cousins, Celeste Salafia, of San Marcos, Sabrina Diehl of Moore, OK and Leslie Pursley of Goodlettsville, TN.

Vance was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Sulphur Springs and member of the Sojourners Class.

Pall Bearers: Bob Craine, Bill Crowder, Danny Burnette, Paul (Skip) Glover, Mike Popejoy, & Gene Herzog. Honorary Pall Bearers: Darrel Slabaugh, Wayne Lindsay, Stan Knowles and Rodney Skinner.

The service will be held, Friday, April 1, 2022, at the First United Methodist Church, 301 Church St., Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. Visitation will be in the Fellowship Hall at 1:00 pm and the service will be at 2:30 pm in the sanctuary. Burial will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park, 5784 TX Highway 154, Sulphur Springs, TX.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to FUMC – Dinner Bell, 301 Church St., Sulphur Springs, TX 75482 or to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are made through West Oaks Funeral Home.  www.westoaksfuneralhome.com

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