Donald Payne was born August 20, 1930, the second of sixteen children, in Tylertown, MS. He put himself through Tulane University where he received a master's degree in civil engineering in 1953.  While at Tulane, he did original research on prestressed concrete which is now used all over the world in construction. His academic success inspired and encouraged his siblings.

Donald spent his professional life supporting oil/ gas and marine installations throughout the world. At retirement he was in charge of worldwide quality control for McDermott International, Inc..

When Donald was younger, he enjoyed sailing on his boats, but later in life he found his true passion playing the violin.

Donald was preceded in death by his father Jesse Nelson Payne; mother Leila Bennett Payne; sons John Payne and Donald Wesley Payne; and daughter Janet Elizabeth Payne; siblings Peggy Anne Bealer, Mary Helen Payne, Jim Payne, Lewis Payne, Ralph Payne, Roger Earl Payne, and Wayne Dwayne Payne.

Left to cherish his memory are siblings Elsie lee Sutton, Jessie Nelson Payne, Jr., Percy Albert Payne, Catherine Louise Peneguy, Mildred Sue Guillory, Charles Lawrence Payne, Carolyn Diane Patton, and Barbara Delnero; significant other of 30 plus years Ruth Patterson; along with numerous nieces, nephews, friends and loving family.

Visitation will be held Sunday, April 24, 2022 at Hartman Hughes Funeral Home from 1:00 PM until service at 2:00 PM. Reverend Buddy Day will officiate.