Harold E. Payne, 89, of Allendale, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, Indiana surrounded by the love of his family.  He was born on March 6, 1932 in Wabash County, Illinois, the son of Owen and Elnora (Keneipp) Payne.  He married Marian Compton on November 17, 1956 and together they have enjoyed sixty-four years of marriage.

Harold was a 1950 graduate of Allendale High School.  He faithfully served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War.  He began working on the family farm at the age of ten.  Farming became his passion that he continued until his retirement in 2019.  Harold was an active member of the Illinois Farm Bureau where he had served on the Wabash County Board, and had also served on the Farm Service Agency Board.  He was a member of Adams Corner United Methodist Church where he enjoyed teaching Sunday School classes.  In his spare time, Harold liked playing the harmonica and listening to records.  He loved his family dearly and they cherished his love and guidance.  He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Harold leaves behind his loving wife, Marian; two sons, Michael Payne and wife Carla, Dennis Payne and wife Janet; two grandchildren, Brandon Payne & wife Jennifer, Laurel Payne; two great-grandchildren, Livia Marie and Patrick Harold; sister, Rose Silva; brother-in-law, Warren Liddle; several nieces and nephews.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Sylvia Payne and Jane Liddle.

Graveside Services will be held at 11:30 a.m., Friday, April 2, 2021 at Highland Memorial Cemetery.  Harold will be laid to rest with Full Military Honors.

Please follow the CDC recommendations of social distancing and wearing of face coverings at the Graveside Service.

Memorial contributions may be made in Harold’s memory to the Local Military Honor Guard or to Adams Corner United Methodist Church and will be accepted at the cemetery or may be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home 1500 North Cherry St., Mt. Carmel, IL  62863.

Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements.  To view Harold’s tribute wall, leave condolences and purchase flowers for the Payne family, please visit www.KeepesFuneralHome.com.