Samuel Richard Payne, 71, of Ottumwa, died August 20, 2022 at his home.
He was born September 6, 1950 in Ottumwa to Philip and Beulah Myers Payne. He married Amparo Mary Garza September 19, 1970.
A graduate of Ottumwa High School, Sam earned his BA degree in Political Science. He served 22 years in the U.S. Navy, living and working in many places. He was an electronics professor at Indian Hills Community College, worked for the City of Ottumwa Roads Department, at the seed plant in Mt. Pleasant, as the Health Inspector for the City of Ottumwa, for a short time for the U.S. Postal Service and for Starr Transport out of Oklahoma as a driver, dispatcher and in management. He and his wife, Mary moved back to Ottumwa in 2018.
Surviving is his wife, Mary; their children, Kellie Payne, Phyllis Wood, Joe Payne, Martin Payne and Michael Payne; 13 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Bill (Carol) Payne and Frank (Cheri) Payne; two sisters, Connie (Dan) Cavanaugh and Mary Ann (Rick) Southworth.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Marcia and Rosemary Payne; a brother, George Payne.
His body has been cremated. No services are planned. Private burial at sea will take place at a later date.
