Francis Hugh Payne

Francis "Huey" Hugh Payne, 81, of Conneautville, passed away, Tuesday, December 15, 2020 peacefully at Meadville Medical Center after a period of failing health. He was born on January 21, 1939 in Springboro, Pennsylvania a son of Walter Payne and Florence Powell Payne. He married his high school sweetheart, Norma J. Lemke on August 6, 1960. She survives. After graduating from Conneaut Valley high school in 1957 Francis enlisted in the USA Army, serving for 3 years with 2 years spent in France.  After his tour ended he started working at Wickes Lumber in Saegertown while pursuing a college education.  He achieved his MBA from Gannon University and went on to accept the position of CFO at Meadville Medical Center, retiring after 32 years. He was a member of Emmanuel Church, Meadville Elks Club, VFW Post 2006, American Legion Post 205, Eastern Star, Meadville Masonic Lodge, Legion of Honor Shriners, Kismet Grotto, and Erie Zem Zem Shrine. Some special memories Francis had was of holding summer picnics and hayrides to the hospital employees.  One of his greatest passions was making wine and sharing it with family and friends.  Over the years he had won many ribbons at the Crawford County Fair.  He loved planting a huge garden supplying the neighborhood with  produce.  Francis adored his grandkids and supported their sporting events.   He spent much time traveling  to hockey and softball games over the years  Francis accompanied his grandson to Russia for the Friendship through Football program to watch him play. In addition to his loving wife, Norma of 60 years; he is survived by three children, Michael Payne (Teresa) of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, Mark Payne (Jen) of Longmont, Colorado, and Michele McCracken of Conneautville; grandchildren, Christopher Jones (Karla), Jordyn Trisket (Cale), Loryn Mazurik (Alex), Ryan Payne, Meagan Payne, Kristine Caldwell, Joseph Caldwell, and Sydney Witters; great grandchildren, Carter Jones, Everett Trisket, Elliott Trisket, Natalie Roberts, Liam Caldwell, Hayden Caldwell, Devin Tenet, and Lennox Witters; a brother, Milton Payne; special friends, Frank Yohe, Barry Robinson, and Jenny Kelyman; and his cat, Buttercup. Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic funeral services will be private but will be available for virtual attendance from the public via live-webcast on Monday, December 21st at 1:00pm on Francis' Book of Memories online at www.warrenfh.com. Go to Francis' page and you will click the webcast link on the bottom. Burial will take place at Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens, Vernon Township. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Francis' memory to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 1645 W. 8th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania 16505. Arrangements have been placed in the care of Ryan M. Warren Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 544 Chestnut Street, Meadville.