Ottis E. Payne

Ottis E. Payne was born on November 17, 1922, in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, and departed this life on Tuesday, February 19, 2008, in Meeker, Oklahoma, at the age of 85. Ottis, the son of George Ewing and Vesta Marie Merckling Payne, was a resident of Meeker. He married Jearlene Alma Yates on April 29, 1943, in Wagoner, Oklahoma. Ottis proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II. He retired from Tinker Air Force Base where he worked as a production control manager. He also retired from the Oklahoma Tax Commission. Ottis was a member of the First Baptist Church in Meeker. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant son. Survivors include his wife of over 64 years, Jearlene Payne of the home; daughter and son in law, Connie and Ronald Mason of McLoud; grandchildren, Lora Lee Purdon and her husband, John, of McLoud, David Mason and his wife, Linda, of McLoud, Evan K. Mason and his wife, Maria, of McLoud; 8 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. Visitation will be at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Meeker on Thursday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Friday from 9:00 AM to noon.