On May 23, 2022, the Lord called Ken to Himself after living with cancer for an extended period of time.
Ken was born in Sand Springs on May 10, 1939, the third son of Vernon and Berniece (Albang) Payne and spent his early years in the Monticello area where he also received his education. On May 3, 1958, Ken was united in marriage with Ruth Postel, his high school sweetheart. Their union was blessed with eight children, Teri Didonna, Boise, Idaho; Wendy, St. Paul, Minn.; Mark (Ann), Elkader; Christa, Clarksville; Zachary (Megan), Elkader; and three deceased children, Kenneth Jr., Timothy and Mary. Also eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.