David A. Payne

David A. Payne, 80, of Medina, passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2023 peacefully with his protective, devoted, and loving daughter Gerrilu by his side. Gerrilu was blessed to have one of David’s longtime devout friends, Jan Nudd present to comfort the both of them during his passing.

David was born in Medina on September 22, 1942, a son to the late Evelyn “Jake” Payne and Evelyn (Abbott) Payne. If his parents were alive to tell you what made David stand out as one of their 4 children, it would have been his mischievous behavior and the knack for playing pranks on family and friends, a trait that carried through to his adulthood.  As a child it was apparent that David would gravitate to a career in farming when his father could not restrain him from sneaking out of the house to turn the agitator off in order to steal some cream for his morning cereal.

After David graduated from Medina High School, both he and his high school sweetheart, the former Phyllis Donelson, pursued college educations at Purdue University, during which time they were married. David played football for the Purdue Boilermakers where he earned the nickname “Boom Boom”; just one of the many nicknames he would hold during his lifetime. They were both elated when their family grew into a party of three and their daughter Gerrilu was born.

David’s early career path with FMC took him and his family traveling to Wisconsin and California before realizing that his true passion was for farming. In 1974 his devoted family supported his career change and moved back to Medina, where David would spend the rest of his life doing what he loved most, Farming. The life of a dairy farmer is not an easy one. You sleep and eat when the cows do.  With that being said, David did find time every other Friday night to enjoy his .10 cent wings and DJ entertainment at the Apple Grove Inn. This is where he earned his second nickname: Disco Dave.

When David was not milking the cows or chasing the ones that jumped the fence, he enjoyed flying planes. He obtained his private pilot’s license and was a member of the Medina Pilot Association. Although unable to fly anymore David did not give up on his hobby.  He spent countless hours with his loyal feline companion, MommaKitty on his keyboard, watching a variety of YouTube videos which centered around airplanes. He did all this while enjoying his lifetime addiction to ice cream. 

David was always a quiet person, a man of few words with a big personality and a great sense of humor. A prankster to the very end, in less than a minute after he left us, a false fire alarm was triggered in the hospital. It was his quiet yet striking exit from the hospital. The stories are endless and the history he made in Medina was historical. He was a very kind and humble human being that would sacrifice so others could benefit. His contagious smile, dedication to his family, friends and profession will truly be missed by the Medina Community.

Sadly, David was predeceased by his wife, Phyllis Payne on April 23, 1975; and parents, Evelyn “Jake” and Evelyn Payne.

He is survived by his daughter, Gerrilu (Eric Hofmeister); brothers, Donald Payne (Jeannie Scroger), Duane (Patricia) Payne and Dan Payne; granddaughters, Ryan Anne (Andy Toale) Campbell and Ashley Renee Castricone; and great-grandchildren, Jaydin and Alexa Demmer and Noah David Toale. Also left to mourn, Dave (Linda) Jones, partner in crime and loyal friend for over 30 years; and his most loyal feline companion, MommaKitty.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, April 8 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Private interment will take place at the convenience of the family in West Ridgeway Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Knights-Kaderli Foundation, PO Box 684, Medina, NY 14103; Medina Memorial Hospital- 2^nd Floor Patient Rehab Center, 200 Ohio St., Medina; or to the Medina FFA, 1 Mustang Drive, Medina.