Melvin Ray Payne, age 80, of Linton, passed away peacefully while surrounded by his family at 6:30 A.M. on Monday, October 4, 2021, at his residence. He was born in Linton on February 20, 1941, the son of Leroy & Dorothy (Wright) Payne.

Mel served our country in the United States Army. He worked as an Ordinance Foreman at NWSC Crane until his retirement in 1993. Mel was a member of the First Baptist Church and American Legion Post #22, both of Linton.

He enjoyed golf, mowing and yard work, woodworking, sports, and being with his family.

He is survived by his wife whom he married on August 12, 1967, Sharon R. (Anderson) Payne, his son, Roy (Lita) Payne of Dubai, a daughter, Melanie (Dan) Pitstick of Indianapolis, three grandchildren, Shakole (Jarrod) Lewis of Linton, Brandon Payne of Kansas City, Kansas, and Abigail Pitstick of Indianapolis, three great-grandchildren, Noah, Sophie, and Hunter Raye, and two brothers-in-law, Jerry (Alice) Anderson and Don (Sharren) Anderson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Rex Payne, Max Payne, Cheryl Shields, Judy Metzger, Joe Payne, Vanetta Graves, and Jack Bough, and a sister-in-law, Betty Jean (Dean) Barnes.

Funeral service will be held at Welch & Cornett Funeral Home in Linton at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, October 8, 2021, with Rev. David Tyra officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Linton with military rites conducted by the American Legion Post #22 Honor Guard.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday from 11 A.M. until the time of service.

Memorial Donations may be given to the American Cancer Society, through the funeral home.

Online condolences may be shared with Mel”s family at www.welchcornett.com.