May 12, 1940 ~ January 18, 2026 (age 85)
Dale Wesley Payne, 85, formally of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026, in Opelika, Alabama at the East Alabama Medical Center surrounded by his family.
Dale was born May 12, 1940, in Haskell, Oklahoma to Wesley and Ada Payne. He was the oldest of three children and is survived by his brother, Mark Payne, and his sister, Armetta Smitley. He had many adventures growing up, which he shared in a touching and funny memoir he wrote and gave to his family.
Dale graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business. Soon after graduating, he secured a job at Kerr McGee Chemical starting in accounting and retiring in 1996 as Controller after 33 years. He was admired and valued by his colleagues and was celebrated greatly when he retired.
He met his wife, Laura Payne (née O’Connor), in 1971 and did not waste anytime marrying her. They married in Oklahoma City, on January 29, 1972, six months after meeting. He knew he found the one, and he was right. They spent 54 years together creating a beautiful life. Together they raised their two children and doted on their grandchildren.
Dale is survived by his wife, Laura, his daughter, Carrie Landin [Todd Landin], his son, Adam Payne [Angela Payne] and his beloved grandchildren, Natalie Payne, Nora Landin and Beck Landin.
It is difficult to describe the gift that was knowing and loving Dale Payne. He was exceptional. He made friends wherever he went. He was honest, patient, humble, dependable and a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. He lived with chronic pain in his back, and rarely would one know it. He was a dedicated family man and put his family first along with fostering his relationship with God.
Playing golf was a close second to his family and his faith, and when playing golf was no longer an option due to physical limitations, he delved into wood working. Between Oklahoma, Alabama, Colorado and many states in between, it would be difficult to find a household that doesn’t have one of Dale Payne’s creative wood pieces. Those pieces will bring joy to those who love him for years to come.
He was also passionate about sports, particularly OSU sports, and playing board games and building gadgets with his grandchildren. Every day at 4pm, you would find him sitting on his back patio, talking with his wife, Laura, usually about their children and grandchildren and, of course, sports.
A Celebration of Life Memorial will follow at a later date. Please go to the Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home webpage if you’d like to share a tribute to Dale and to find details about his Memorial service.
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