Kenneth Payne

Kenneth (Kenny) Smith Payne was born September 13, 1952, in Des Moines, Iowa. Kenny was loved by many, especially his parents Josie Windsor, Kenneth Merrill Smith, Eula Mae English and Sirrelous Arthur Payne.

Kenny completed all of his schooling in Montgomery City Missouri. After graduating he enlisted in the United States Army, September 22, 1970. During his active military time he continued his education as a Wheeler Vehicle Mechanic and later became a multi decorated Veteran.

A faithful friend to many, you could always find Kenny helping others. He was a community man. He believed in giving back not to just people he knew but, to the community. He volunteered several years with the American Red Cross to help bring aid to others here and abroad. Kenny also volunteered at some of the local food banks and pantries.

When he wasn’t with his friends which he considered his family, he was always happy to be in the company of his beloved family. Kenny loved his children and made sure they knew it. He was his happiest either cooking or providing a “Good” meal and he was going to make sure everybody had a plate and enough to eat! He loved to Barbeque, ride his motorcycle and listen to music.

Kenny could have been a comedian, he loved a good laugh and really enjoyed playing chess, bid whist and dominos. If you sat down to play, you knew who you were playing. Talking stuff and cracking jokes was what he was really good at. He had a kindness about him that even when he was cracking jokes about you, you were sure to laugh right along with him. He enjoyed his time with his men’s bible study group, and he developed even more interest in learning and knowing more about his family and HIS story.

On August 17, 2021, at the age of 68, Kenny Payne departed this side. Preceding him in death were his parents, Josie Windsor, Kenneth M. Smith, Eula M. English and Sirrelous A. Payne; daughter, Audrey Thomas; granddaughter, Anteneisha T. Wray.

He leaves to cherish his memories wife, Patricia Payne; daughters, Tonya Connor of Des Moines, IA; Natisha Wray of Columbia, MO; Kendra Miller of San Antonio, TX; Kennita Payne-Moore of Columbia, MO: sons, Kenneth (Lynthia) Thomas of Fort Worth, TX and Tavian Hughes of Des Moines, IA: aunt; Elizabeth Pate of Des Moines, IA: Brothers, Arvel (Loretta) Windsor of Des Moines, IA; Wallace (Carol) Kipper of Des Moines, IA; Merrill Smith of Des Moines, IA, LaMonte (Monica) Smith of Marrietta, GA: sisters Angela Eldridge of Fort Worth, TX; Christine Day of Omaha, NE :grandchildren, Della, Dorothy, Michayla, Tajah, D’Andre, Keniya, Natajha and KeAndre; great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews and a host of relatives and friends.

Repass will follow services at
Evelyn K Davis Park
1400 Forest Ave
Des Moines IA 50314

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