Danny Lee Payne

Danny Lee Payne

Danny (Dan) Lee Payne, 76, of Missoula was called to his maker on Friday, Feb. 6 at St. Patrick Hospital of natural causes.

Dan was born on March 4, 1938 in Ephrata, Washington to Curt and Alice Payne. Dan grew up with his brother Boyd on a farm up in the hills above Chelan, Washington and graduated from Chelan High School in 1956 then attended Wenatchee Community College.

Dan met the love of his life, Else Arndt, in Wenatchee, Washington and they married in 1962. One year later, they had twins, Philip and David, and in 1965, Lisa was welcomed into the family.

Dan moved his family to Pablo in 1967 where he worked in the sawmills and schools until he started his own business, Payne Technicians, servicing schools and homes throughout Western Montana until he retired. After Else passed away in 2006, Dan eventually moved to the Clark Fork Riverside Apartments in Missoula where he enjoyed new friends and Osprey games.  

Dan enjoyed fishing, hunting and taking his grandchildren to watch baseball games. He loved to tell us how proud he was of his family and how blessed he was to have four wonderful grandchildren. He attended worship services with his fellow Clark Fork residents every Sunday. His son, Philip and his family often had Dan over for dinner and holidays.

Survivors include Philip Payne and wife Bonnie of Missoula, Montana, David Payne and wife Carolyn of Bountiful, Utah, daughter Lisa Maddox of Pablo, Montana and grandchildren, Britney and Joel Maddox, Julianna and James Payne. He is also survived by Brother Boyd's children, Jim Payne and Barbara Payne. Dan enjoyed visiting with Bonnie's kids Shannon, Erin (Scott), Kristen, Joanne (Johny), Michael, Patrick (Tish), and their families. They made the holidays and special occasions even more enjoyable for him. He will be greatly missed by all those who loved him and those who had the pleasure of calling him friend. 

A memorial reception will be held at Garden City Funeral Home from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 14.