Delvin F. Payne's Obituary
Delvin Franklin Payne was born on November 26, 1915 in Salem, Indiana to Elisha Payne and Annie S. Gore. He passed away in his home in Browns Point, Tacoma, Washington on August 21, 2010. Delvin had several siblings and was the last surviving member of the Depression-era children. His death marks the passing of a generation for his family.
In c.1920, the family moved to Elma, Washington, where Delvin went to school. In his late teens, Delvin moved back to Salem to live with his dad. He worked on farms, enjoyed hunting, and learned to play banjo. He met his sweetheart Clarice Lenore Morgan and married in 1938. They had two children: Anna Jean and Anita Joan. In 1940, Delvin and Clarice moved back to Elma but settled down in Seattle. Delvin joined the union as a machinist. He was a member of the International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers (Lodge 297) for more than 60 years and worked at the St. Regis Paper Company, now Simpson Tacoma Kraft, for 20 years. He was a talented machinist and valued for his quality craftsmanship. He took pride in his work and even after retirement enjoyed going back to the mill to offer expertise. In 1963, Delvin and Clarice moved to Browns Point. In his later years, Delvin joined the Tacoma Banjo Club and enjoyed playing music, socializing over lunch, and working in his shop on many projects. He is remembered as a story-teller, a hard worker, and a genuine friend.
Delvin is survived by daughters Anna Jean Doyle and Anita Joan McClary; grandchildren Patricia and Carole Pfeiffer and Shane McClary; four great grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends. He will be laid to rest with his beloved Clarice at Mountain View Memorial Park in Lakewood, Washington. A funeral will be held at Mountain View on September 10, 2010 at 11:00 AM. Family and friends are welcome to celebrate his life.
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