I was born and raised on a hillside farm in southern Ohio, right outside Chillicothe. Mom and Dad had eight kids. Dad always joked that only one of us was planned, and he'd never tell us which one. Dad's humor was almost as bad as mine.
Education is in my blood. Mom and Dad were teachers. Mom taught 2nd grade for a couple of years, and then decided to devote full-time to raising her family. Dad taught high school science while owning and operating three drive-in theaters (which is why popcorn is a major food group for the Payne family). High blood pressure forced Dad into retirement after 25 years. He couldn't stay away from education for long, however, and two years later ran for and was elected to our local school board. It never occurred to me until recently that perhaps being on the school board wasn't so great on his heart either! In addition to my mom and dad, two of my brothers served as school principals, and one of my sisters just retired from teaching 6th grade. And, before all of us, my Grandmother Furnas taught in a one-room school in Corwin, Ohio, beginning at the age of 16. To this day, whenever I watch Little House On The Prairie, I think of my Grandma.
Education IS in the Payne blood. I like to think of myself as a teacher of sorts too, but in a different capacity. I'm the pastor of First United Methodist Church, on the corner of Fourth and Sycamore Streets, across the street from Greenville Public Library, St. Clair Memorial Hall, and the Junior High School. I love the opportunity to serve God through the ministries of First Church.
I've lived here five years, and this is home. I'm a 4Her from long ago, so I of course love the Fair. I like to eat, so I can never get enough Maid Rites while enjoying just about every other eatery around. I've been to Bear's Mill numerous times. I'm a history buff, so I've frequented the Garst Museum and have studied up on Annie Oakley, Anthony Wayne, Tecumseh, and others.
I enjoy gardening and have a small vegetable garden in the back yard. I have a degree in music, so I naturally love to sing. I’m also a little like my dad, in that I get involved in a lot of different avenues. I’ve served on the boards of State of the Heart Hospice and Darke County Center of the Arts. I’m also a proud member of Kiwanis Club of Greenville.
My family is my biggest blessing. My wife, Linda, is the love of my life still after 27 years of marriage. She has put up with a lot! Together we have four adult children – Christopher, Sara (Rob), Dan, and Jon. Our granddaughter, Adena, is precious in our eyes.
