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Leonard E. Payne, 80, died peacefully at his home on Wednesday, March 3, 1999. He is survived by Frances, his wife of 54 years; daughter, Cheryl Hardin and husband, Edd of Blue Eyes, MO; son, Stephen Payne and wife, Diane of Casper, WY; four grandchildren, Andrew, Meredith and Renee Payne and Shelly Wass; brother, Richard Payne and wife, Donna of Cody, WY; and sister-in-law, Emily Turner and husband, John. He was preceded in death by his brother, Lewis Payne who lost his life in action in WWII. Leonard Payne was born December 9, 1918 on a homestead in western Nebraska to Lee and Meryl Payne. He graduated from high school in Bridgeport, NE and moved to California, where he enlisted in the armed forces in 1941. While stationed in England during WWII, Leonard met and married Frances Stephens in London on September 10, 1944. Following his discharge from the Eighth Air Force 92nd Bomb Group, Leonard and Frances returned to western Nebraska. They later moved to Wyoming, where Leonard worked as a roughneck then as a carpenter and general contractor. In addition to building and remodeling homes, he designed and built beautiful cabinets and furniture, and became a master craftsman. His love of woodworking is reflected in the masterpieces he created. He was also an avid fisherman and gardener. Leonard's greatest joy, however was his family. The kindness and love he showered on them will always be remembered. Memorial services will be held Monday, 12:00 p.m., at French Mortuary, Wyoming Blvd. Chapel, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE. Interment will take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. Friends may visit French Mortuary, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Sunday, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
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