Bruce Payne

Bruce Payne passed peacefully at his home surrounded by his family. He fought a tough battle against Pancreatic Cancer.

Bruce Payne was the son of Edward and Lorraine Payne of Kankakee, IL. Bruce was born on October 11, 1958 in Brookfield, MO. Surviving are his wife Kimberly Payne- married July 21, 1984 in Florissant, MO. Two daughters and one son: Megan and Joseph Espinosa, Kelsey and Christopher Marhanka, and Tyler Payne; and one granddaughter Anna Marhanka, and three brothers Michael and Deborah Payne, Thomas and Rebecca Payne, and Alex and Monica Payne. Seven nieces and nephews Adam Payne, Eric Payne, Austin Payne, Kathleen Payne, Allie Haug, Cullen Payne, and Reed Payne. One sister in law and two brother in laws: Kelly and Michael Summers, and Michael Drury. Numerous cousins, aunts and uncles.

After graduating High School, Bruce enlisted into the United States Army and he proudly served as a Military Police Officer for 4 years. He then went to college at Northeast Missouri State University (Truman State) in Kirksville, MO where he earned a B.S. in Physical Education. He also played Football for 1 year and rugby for 3 years. Bruce was also a founding father of Sigma Phi Epsilon social Fraternity. He continued his education, by getting his Masters Degree from Eastern Illinois University with Athletic Administration.

Bruce had a 35 years of teaching and coaching career. He taught 4 years at Mt. Vernon, IL, 7 years at Kankakee, IL, 4 years as Athletic Director at Prairie Central in Fairbury, IL and 20 years at Winfield, MO. He coached Football, Wrestling, and Track at Mt. Vernon High School, Kankakee High School, and Winfield High School. He also coached Wrestling at Prairie Central High School, 2 years of coaching Football at Wentzville Holt and 1 year of Wrestling at Parkway Central.

Accolades: 1988 Mt. Vernon Football Team first Quarter finals, 1993-1994 House of Payne Wrestling Placements 2nd SENECA 3rd Arrowhead Urbana Conference Regionals, 1994-1995 Kankakee most wins in a season co-state champs, 1996 House of Payne Outstanding Coach, 2000 Assistant Coach of the Year Class A for Wrestling at Prairie Central High School, 2016 Class 2 Team of the Year for Winfield Wrestling, 2019-2020 Gold W Award at Winfield for Wrestling, Football, and Track.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to the Winfield High School Wrestling, Football, and Track and Field departments.
Please make your donations to:

Winfield Athletic Department
100 8th Street
Winfield, MO. 63389