Gerald "Jerry" Payne

January 24, 2016

Mr. Gerald Lee Payne, age 61, husband of Juanita Venanola Payne, and a resident of Columbia, passed away Sunday evening, January 24, 2016 at his residence.

Military honors will be provided by the United States Navy on Friday, January 29, 2016 at 5:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home. Visitation with the family will be held immediately following until the 7:00 PM memorial service with Sherry Ladd officiating. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Born on November 25, 1954 in Madison, Wisconsin, Jerry was the son of Betty (Larry) Amidon and the late George William Payne. He served his country in the United States Navy as a (BM1) Boatswain’s Mate First Class for 20 years before he retired. Jerry later worked as a postal carrier for 21 years at The Franklin Post Office where he retired. Growing up Jerry enjoyed drawing, and he carried his artistic ability into his adult years doing woodwork. He enjoyed fishing, music, movies and gardening. Jerry was also an avid Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers fan.

He is survived by his wife: Juanita Payne of Columbia; mother: Betty (Larry) Amidon of Ft. Wayne, IN; sister: Nancy (Greg) Harker of Brodhead, WI; step-children: Liz (Sergio) Bermudez of Columbia, Kim (Robb) McGaughey; step-grandchildren: Isabell Bermudez, Frances, Robert, Matthew McGaughey; aunts: Marcia Ajer of Waldwich, WI, Evelyn Westby of Janesville, WI; mother-in-law: Revocata Naces; sisters-in-law: Victoria (Don) Allman, Raudelia Embate, Sally Tubat, Leslie Guzman; brothers-in-law: Boy Venanola, Dexter Naces; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his father he was preceded in death by his sister: Debbie Payne; and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Jerry’s coworkers at The Franklin Post Office and his fellow shipmates will serve as honorary pallbearers.