COLUMBUS
Fonis Payne passed away peacefully at his home on December 27, following a long and courageous battle with cancer.
He was born October 2, 1933, in Bowling Green, KY, the only son of Clifford and Louise Payne.
He was a graduate of College High School and attended Bowling Green Business University.
His varied career included stints as a licensed machinist, insurance sales and adjuster/branch manager positions with State Auto, American States, Johnson-Witkemper Insurance Companies, and IWX Trucking. He ended his working days as a negotiator/investigator for the Schuerman Law Firm.
He was an avid collector and car buff, as well as a member of Tea Leaf Club International and Columbus Antique Club.
He married Doe Douglas June 10, 1953, and she preceded him in death on May 5, 1974.
On September 12, 1976, he married Margaret Foshee Holton, and she survives.
Other survivors include a daughter, Sue Douglas, Greenwood, IN; sons, Brent (Carol) Holton and Brian (Donna) Holton, Bowling Green, KY; and grandchildren, Krys Higgins, Heber City, UT, and Ben and Keeley Holton, Bowling Green, KY. He is also survived by a brother-in-law and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to his first wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, and a daughter, Lynn Holton.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. ET Saturday, January 4, 2020 at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home with visitation at 10 a.m. until service time. Military honors will be provided by the Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard.
Following his request, cremation is planned with interment Monday, January 8, at 11 a.m. CT at Fairview Cemetery, Bowling Green, KY.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.
