Charles Edward Payne, M.D.
May 27th, 1928 - April 29th, 2024
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Charles's Obituary
Charles Edward Payne, 95, of St. Joseph went to meet his Lord on Monday, April 29, 2024.
"Ed" was born on May 27, 1928, in Allegan, MI, to Charles E. Payne, Sr. and Henrietta (Wesseldyk) Payne. He graduated from Allegan High School in 1946 and began studies at the University of Michigan, his Alma Mater. He began military service in May of 1954, as a First Lieutenant (Medical) Reserve in the United States Air Force. After military service he completed his medical training in psychiatry, also at U of M.
He married Thelma Cook, also of Allegan, on April 5, 1952. They, along with their two children, moved to St. Joseph in 1962 where he was in private practice until 1980. He joined Riverwood part time as a Staff Psychiatrist in 1971 and was the Chief Psychiatrist from 1981 until his retirement in 1992.
Ed was a life-long learner, and enjoyed studying languages, and reading scripture in Spanish and German. He studied Hebrew with a rabbi so that he could read scripture in the original language. He enjoyed classical music and especially enjoyed the live Met Opera broadcasts at the local cinema.
He and Thelma loved living on the "Michigan Riviera" and enjoyed many picnics on the bluffs, concerts at the band shell, and visits to the Krasl Art Center. They treasured the friendships formed at the churches they attended, Napier Parkview Baptist Church and First Church of God of St. Joseph.
He is survived by his daughter, Mary (Scott) Payne Donaldson of Cincinnati, OH and son, John Edward Payne of Kalamazoo, MI. He is also survived by his cousin, Dr. James (Linda) Wesseldyk of South Haven, MI, in addition by many loving nieces and nephews.
Ed's life was enriched by the good people of Southwest Michigan, and he loved serving and living in this beautiful area. The family is grateful for many precious and happy memories.
His children would like to acknowledge the following people who made their father so happy and fulfilled throughout his life, especially in the 12 years since the passing of their mother: the late Linda Flory, who faithfully served as housekeeper and friend; Christa Bythrow and the late Ed Kinne, who generously included Dad in more exciting adventures than we can count; The First Church Small Group comprised of Vicky and Bill Achterberg, Ken and Connie Harkleroad, Curt and Nancy Johnson, Gary and May Sisson, and Diane and Glenn Youngstedt, whose friendship and prayerful support was treasured until the end; The Kelly family who adopted Dad as their own; Keisha Phillips, and the 2nd floor care staff at The Whitcomb; Lori Costanza of Stately Living along with Gentiva Hospice who provided exemplary end of life care; Kathy Martin, whose faithful and caring presence made Dad's last year of assisted living possible, and one of great happiness and joy.
A Celebration of Life Eternal will be held at 3:00 P.M. Sunday, May 5, 2024, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085. Friends may visit with the family from 1:00 P.M. until 3:00 P.M., Sunday at the funeral home. A private burial will be held at Oakwood Cemetery in Allegan, MI. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Allegan Dollars for Scholars: https://allegan.dollarsforscholars.org; or Youth Mission Trips at the Chapel: www.yourplacetobelong.com/give tap on the fund and select Youth Mission Trip; or the charity of your choice. Those wishing to share a memory of Ed online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com
"Ed" was born on May 27, 1928, in Allegan, MI, to Charles E. Payne, Sr. and Henrietta (Wesseldyk) Payne. He graduated from Allegan High School in 1946 and began studies at the University of Michigan, his Alma Mater. He began military service in May of 1954, as a First Lieutenant (Medical) Reserve in the United States Air Force. After military service he completed his medical training in psychiatry, also at U of M.
He married Thelma Cook, also of Allegan, on April 5, 1952. They, along with their two children, moved to St. Joseph in 1962 where he was in private practice until 1980. He joined Riverwood part time as a Staff Psychiatrist in 1971 and was the Chief Psychiatrist from 1981 until his retirement in 1992.
Ed was a life-long learner, and enjoyed studying languages, and reading scripture in Spanish and German. He studied Hebrew with a rabbi so that he could read scripture in the original language. He enjoyed classical music and especially enjoyed the live Met Opera broadcasts at the local cinema.
He and Thelma loved living on the "Michigan Riviera" and enjoyed many picnics on the bluffs, concerts at the band shell, and visits to the Krasl Art Center. They treasured the friendships formed at the churches they attended, Napier Parkview Baptist Church and First Church of God of St. Joseph.
He is survived by his daughter, Mary (Scott) Payne Donaldson of Cincinnati, OH and son, John Edward Payne of Kalamazoo, MI. He is also survived by his cousin, Dr. James (Linda) Wesseldyk of South Haven, MI, in addition by many loving nieces and nephews.
Ed's life was enriched by the good people of Southwest Michigan, and he loved serving and living in this beautiful area. The family is grateful for many precious and happy memories.
His children would like to acknowledge the following people who made their father so happy and fulfilled throughout his life, especially in the 12 years since the passing of their mother: the late Linda Flory, who faithfully served as housekeeper and friend; Christa Bythrow and the late Ed Kinne, who generously included Dad in more exciting adventures than we can count; The First Church Small Group comprised of Vicky and Bill Achterberg, Ken and Connie Harkleroad, Curt and Nancy Johnson, Gary and May Sisson, and Diane and Glenn Youngstedt, whose friendship and prayerful support was treasured until the end; The Kelly family who adopted Dad as their own; Keisha Phillips, and the 2nd floor care staff at The Whitcomb; Lori Costanza of Stately Living along with Gentiva Hospice who provided exemplary end of life care; Kathy Martin, whose faithful and caring presence made Dad's last year of assisted living possible, and one of great happiness and joy.
A Celebration of Life Eternal will be held at 3:00 P.M. Sunday, May 5, 2024, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085. Friends may visit with the family from 1:00 P.M. until 3:00 P.M., Sunday at the funeral home. A private burial will be held at Oakwood Cemetery in Allegan, MI. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Allegan Dollars for Scholars: https://allegan.dollarsforscholars.org; or Youth Mission Trips at the Chapel: www.yourplacetobelong.com/give tap on the fund and select Youth Mission Trip; or the charity of your choice. Those wishing to share a memory of Ed online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com
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