The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

William Hubert Payne, age 95 years. Died July 28, 2017 at the Booker Rest Home.

Family graveside services and burial were held at the family plot in the Waitsburg Cemetery.

Bill was born August 21, 1921 in Portland, Ore. His parents were Floyd and Cora Groom Payne. As a young child Bill came to Waitsburg to live with his aunt and uncle, Ruth and Jack Cushin. He attended Spring Valley School where he rode a pony to school each day. Later

he attended school in Waitsburg, graduating from High School with the class of 1939. He then went to W.S.C. (W.S.U.) before joining the Army Air Corps and served as a tail gunner on a B-24. In 1944 on a mission over Europe his plane crashed but his injuries were such that

he was able to pull crewmen to safety and was decorated with the Soldiers Medal for Heroism. After the war he returned to Waitsburg to farm with his uncle.

He married Barbara Sweazy in 1941. They had two children, John and Ann. As a family, they spent a lot of time boating, camping and fishing. Barbara passed away in 1985 after 39 years of marriage. He later married Helen Morse who also passed away.

Bill spent much of his life involved in many Waitsburg Organizations; including Masons, Commercial Club, and the Days of Real Sport, an event in which he served for 60 years in many capacities to keep it going. He also served on the Waitsburg School Board and was a member

of the Elks Lodge, Walla Walla Country Club and especially enjoyed his Thursday night poker and bowling with longtime friends.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Ann and Steve Ahler; daughter-in-law Kathie Payne and grandchildren; Jason (Micki) Payne, Sata (Todd) Dimak and Ryan Ahler. Also, great grandchildren; Maryn, Marley and William Ahler, Megan Payne and Jay Dimak. He was

preceded in death by his son, John Payne and grandson Bret Ahler.

"A good man, Life well spent."