STANTON - Lance Darrell Payne was born in Midland, on June 17, 1978, to Michael and JoAnn (Leonard) Payne. He died June 6, 2023. He was raised in the cotton fields of his family’s farm in Martin County. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Stanton. He attended school in Stanton and graduated from Stanton High School in 1996, where he excelled in FFA, academics and athletics. As a three-year varsity starter for the Buffaloes Football team, he played center and defensive end and earned All District Honors, as well as All Crossroads, All South Plains and All State Honorable Mention. After High School, he attended Midland College, University of Texas and UTPB, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
He worked for XTO and Endeavor Energy and later returned to the family farm where he worked the cotton fields with his dad and his beloved Jack Russell Terrier, Sarge.
He was kind and generous to his fellowman and will be remembered for his respect and acceptance of everyone he met in this life.
He is survived by his dad Michael Payne of Stanton; his mom JoAnn Klinkhammer and husband Randy of Kerrville; his brother Rory Payne of McKinney; nephews Levi, Cohen Payne, and many aunts and uncles and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his brother John Dawson Springer, his maternal grandparents Hoot and Colleen Leonard, his paternal grandparents Darrell and Ruby Payne.
Visitation was June 8 and 9 at Stanton Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. A funeral service was June 10, at First Baptist Church in Stanton. Interment followed at Evergreen Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements were under the care and direction of Stanton Memorial Funeral Home.
Online condolences can be received at www.stantonfh. com.