Rev. Gary D. Payne

Gary Dale Payne was born July 15, 1943, in the family home at Florence, Missouri. Jesus called his faithful servant home suddenly after a brief illness on December 23, 2020, at Bothwell Regional Health Center. Rev. Payne preached the gospel for 59 years. He made his profession of faith at age eleven and at age eighteen was called to the ministry at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, where he was currently serving as pastor. He preached his final sermon there on December 6, 2020.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy Lee and Beula Bernice (Homan) Payne, and one sister, Alta Lee (Payne) Williams. He has one brother, Troy Van Payne, of Bella Vista, Arkansas; three sisters, Joyce Ruth Shaffer (Paul), of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, Beula Jean Hagood (David), of Grand Bury, Texas, and Cheryl Lou Edwards (Tom), of Syracuse, Missouri.

On January 19, 1963, he was united in marriage to Dorla Kay (Hazel). This union was blessed with four daughters.

Gary graduated from Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas with a Master’s degree in December 1972. He lived out the promise, “As for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” He was a carpenter and built a strong marriage, a strong Christian family, and was instrumental with new construction of many churches, his hunting cabin, and finally his retirement home. He built meaningful relationships in the community as well as organizations like the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home and Habitat for Humanity.

Gary adhered to the doctrines of the Baptist Faith and Message, believing that God is in the process of reconciling the world to himself and that the church is the tool God has chosen to deliver the gospel message to lost mankind. He believed the Bible is the inspired Word of God which the Holy Spirit uses to draw men to God.

He served as pastor of Shady Grove Baptist Church in Clinton, Missouri, Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Florence, Missouri, Ashland Baptist Church in Ashland, Missouri, First Baptist Church in Trenton, Texas, First Baptist Church in Syracuse, Missouri, West Union Baptist Church in Versailles, Missouri, First Baptist Church in Kahoka, Missouri, First Baptist Church in Otterville, Missouri, and Broadway Baptist Church in Sedalia, Missouri. He also served as Director of Missions in Sedalia, Missouri and Brookfield, Missouri.

He enjoyed taking care of his livestock, farming, camping and gardening. He had a love of the outdoors and was a great hunter and fisherman. This year he harvested an eight-point buck during deer season and enjoyed sharing the story.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Dorla, of the home; four daughters: Debra Kay Williamson (Scott), Connie Jean Rugen (Jerry), Sherri Lou Collins (Jason), and Amy Lynette Cash; nine grandchildren: Sarah Williamson, Rachael Williamson, Andrew Williamson (fiancé, Abi Hincher), Jeremy Rugen (Jamee), Valerie Morris (Jake), Ryan Collins, Gavin Collins, Sophie Werner and Luke Werner; and four great-grandchildren, Quinn, Wyatt, Weston and Emery.

A private, family-only funeral will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 29, 2020, at Heckart Funeral Home in Sedalia, Missouri, with Rev. Leroy Moon officiating. The service will be livestreamed on Heckart Funeral Home’s Facebook page.

The public is invited to the graveside service which will occur at approximately 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at Mt. Olive Baptist Church Cemetery, Florence, Missouri.

Those attending are asked to wear a mask and observe social distancing.

Friends may pay their respects and sign the guest book between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday, December 28, at Heckart Funeral Home.

Casket bearers will be Andrew Williamson, Ryan Collins, Gavin Collins, Jacob Morris, Kevin Williams and Terry Payne.

Honorary bearers will be Jeremy Rugen, Jeff Williams and Tracy Payne.

Memorials are suggested to the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home or Mt. Olive Baptist Church.