Benjamin Frank Payne

Benjamin F. Payne, age 61, a lifelong Romeo area resident, passed away on Monday, August 25, 2008 at the Odyssey Hospice Health Care in Southfield, MI.  Ben was born on September 24, 1946 in Mt Clemens, the son of the late Frank and Laura (Gelnaw) Payne.  Ben was a self employed paint contractor in the Romeo area for many years.  He was a 1965 graduate of Romeo High School & a graduate of Wayne State University with an education degree.  Ben played professional baseball with the Washington Senators and upon retirement taught school briefly.  He served his Country during the Vietnam War as an Army Medic.  He belonged to the Striber-McVicar Post #2052 in Romeo where he had served as its Post Commander.  Ben also belonged to the Vietnam Veterans of America in its post in Mt Clemens.  His hobbies were baseball, and any type of sporting activities.  He was a member of the St John & Paul Catholic Church in Washington Twp.       Ben is survived by Jane Crawford of Washington Twp., siblings: Marilyn (Bob) Proper, Marge (Gary) Schocke, & Frank (Loretta) Payne all of Romeo and Larry (Mary) Payne of Rochester Hills, MI.  Also survived by 10 nieces & nephews.      Funeral services will take place on Friday at 10 AM at St John & Paul Catholic Church in Washington Twp., with Fr. David Buersmeyer officiating.   Burial will take place along side of his parents at the Davis Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 6-9 and on Thursday from 2-9 with a 7 PM Scripture at the Henry M. Malburg Funeral Home, Romeo, Michigan.  Additional visitation will take place on Friday at St John & Paul Catholic Church from 9:30 till 10 AM, the hour of service.  Donations to the Striber-McVicar Post #2052 would be appreciated. Visitation: Visitation Times Wed 6-9 & Thurs 3-9 Malburg Funeal Home