Lorenzo Cleone Payne

Lorenzo Cleone Payne

 

 Birthday - March 15, 1902

Colonia Dublan Nuevo Casa Grandes, Chihuahua, Mexico

 Mission - 1922 

Central States

Death - May 31, 1974

Tucson, Pima, Arizona

An even dozen!  Beth had not been born yet.  Cleone was the eldest on the far right.  Picture taken in May 1929.

Harry Lorenzo Payne and Pearl Thurber Payne with their first baby, Lorenzo Cleone Payne.  Picture taken in 1902

1910 Exodus from Mexico - Pancho Via order the Mormon Settlers out of Mexico

Picture was taken at Dave & Dianna's wedding in June 1969.  Seated LtoR: Colleen & Jack Fuller, Priscilla & Melvin Denham, Sue & Paul Bunker, Carol & Terryl Rogers.  Seated in front: Faye & Cleone Payne

Picture taken in 1971 - Cleone (69) & Faye (70)

This picture was taken when he was called to be a patriarch 1974.  Subsequently, this was also taken right before his death

Cleone Payne Life History

It was in the early spring of 1902 in Colonia Dublan, Chihuahua, Mexico, that Pearl and Harry Lorenzo Payne were waiting in great anticipation for the great event of their married life, and which later developed into what is known today as mass production. On March 15, 1902 their first child was born in some ways a great prize to them, since he had his mother's features and his father's fixtures. But it has been said that he was so big and ugly that his poor little mother took a first look at him and began to cry. However, the little fellow weathered the storm and not too much later you could not tell whether he was a boy or a girl, since he now had a head of long red curls which his mother was very reluctant to have cut off. Soon other little boys and girls came along and it was time for Cleone to go to school. It must be remembered that we were all living down in Old Mexico and the schools were taught by members of the Mormon people and, of course, Mother had to take her first son to school the first day. Some of the fond recollections that I have of early childhood were the building of our new home. The home was built in 1905 by my father in Colonia Dublan, Mexico, with the help of a good builder and some Mexicans who were the laborers who helped mix the plaster and carry the bricks. The house was a red brick house on a large lot 1/4 of a city block. I also remember going to see my Grandfather Payne and his big corrals and horses and cattle. Grandfather Payne was a rather small Englishman, having come to this country with his parents and several brothers and sisters after joining the Church in England. Soon after they arrived in Utah, he was married to Helen Amelia Buchanan and later took a second wife, Ruth Curtis. After the Manifesto, he took his families to Old Mexico. He lived just two blocks west of our house where he built two homes, one on either corner of the block, with corrals and feed in between. It was also a great event when my Mother would take her little family over to visit her sister Aunt Eleanor, who lived five blocks away, and stay all night. All the kids would bed down on the floor. My Mother was the oldest of four children. Her Mother died when my Mother and the other children were really small. Thurber married again, and my Mother and her brothers and sisters were raised by a step-mother who was very good to them. Grandpa Thurber also married again and was living in polygamy when the Manifesto was given, so he also moved to Colonia Dublan, Mexico. That was how my Mother and Father met each other. They were born in Utah just six miles apart, my Father in Glenwood and Mother in Richfield. My Mother's sister, Eleanor Prows was just younger than Mother and they were very close to each other all their lives. My Mother died in the home of her sister Eleanor. I remember when we were ordered to leave our home b the army of Pancho Villa. It was about in June of 1912 when we were ordered to do this. For some time Villa had been trying to over throw the Mexican Government and saw his chance to come in our town and get supplies and possessions he needed. It was in the late afternoon when his army surrounded our little town and sent word to the authorities that they would give us just 24 hours to evacuate. The authorities wired the U..S. Government at El Paso, Texas, and they sent all the trains that were in El Paso down to bring us out. This, of course, was before the automobile. Some went on passenger trains, some on freight trains. All that we could take was our suit cases and some bedding. All the rest of our possessions were left to the rebel army. All our cattle, homes, fruit and stored food and furniture were left. It was a very sad departure. We did not know whether we would ever see our homes and possessions again. As we were boarding the train it started to rain and some said, "The heavens are crying with us." I have never seen the land of my birth since. We went to Utah from Mexico and lived in the little town of Glenwood for a short time. It was very cold in Utah after living in Mexico and I well remember the first winter there. My father got a job teaching school in a small town of Siguard some six or seven miles from Glenwood, and would drive a horse and buggy each night and morning. I would have to go out in the snow and harness the horse and get him ready for father to leave. We would heat bricks to put at his feet to keep him warm while he made the trip. I well remember the first car that I ever saw. It was the first car to come into the town of Dublan, Mexico, and was owned by the man who owned the store there. I think that it was a 1910 buick. I well remember that we kids would try and steal a little ride on the rack of the back of it, so that we could smell the smoke that came out the back. After we had been in Glenwood a year or two, we moved to Richfield, Utah, and lived for a year or two. However, while in Glenwood I had the experience of having my father be my school teacher. He was the sixth grade teacher when I was in that grade. I really had to be a good boy. Nearly all the time that we were in Utah, Old Brother Michelson from Thatcher had been writing father and trying to get him to come and live in Thatcher. He told him that it was the very Garden of Eden there, and that he was sure that he would love to live here. So Father and Mother decided to make the move to the Garden of Eden and gathered up their little brood which now numbered eight children and themselves, and in the heat of the summer we moved to Thatcher. This was in 1915. The trip from Richfield, Utah, to Thatcher Arizona, was quite a trial for this large family. It took most of three days and nights during which time we sat in the day coach. Mother had prepared most of the food for us in shoe boxes. When we were changing trains at Colton, California, we accidentally met our new Stake President Andrew Kimball and our new Bishop Frank Tyler who were on their way to Salt Lake City, and were changing trains in Colton, California. When we arrived at Thatcher, we were sure that we had arrived in the Garden of Eden, but from the great weeds and brush around the depot and the extreme heat, we were sure Adam and Eve had already been driven out. The same year, 1915, I graduated from the eighth grade and was proud of my new blue serge suit of knee pants that I got for graduation. It was about this time that I met the girl that was later to be my wife. We were in the same class at school together and through High School. However, at that time she didn't have much interest for such as I. She seemed to be looking for bigger bait, such as a doctor or Internal Revenue Collector. It was the year after graduating from the eight grade in 1917 that we lost our little Mother and our Father was left alone with a large family. Our Grandmother Payne came and lived with us and helped manage the family. My Mother passed away in the home of her sister Eleanor Prows at Provo, Utah, December 17, 1917. She suffered a great deal and had five different operations for cancer of the breast. She suffered with this illness for over two years and at the time of her death was undergoing special treatment in Provo Utah, from the Doctor there. I can recall that it was a very sad Christmas for our little family. She was buried in Provo, and Father always thought he would return there to live. He never did, however, and spent the balance of his life in Arizona, the last nine years as President of the Arizona Temple, in Mesa. After finishing High School, I was called on a Mission to the Central States on January 9, 1922. I was very happy about this and the only desire was that I would not have to go to Texas. But when I arrived at the Mission Home in Independence, Missouri, the Mission President said, "Well, Brother Payne, you will be assigned to the North Texas District with headquarters in Dallas, Texas." So there I went and enjoyed every minute of it. I arrived in Dallas, Texas, in January, 1922, and it was raining and cold. I found the apartment where the Elders lived and was soon initiated into the work. The next day I went tracking with and older Elder and the second door we came to I slipped backwards and fell in the mud on my back and my books were in every direction. The lady who came to her door really got a big laugh and I had to go to the cleaners. A few days later I was sent to a small town of Athena, Texas, to meet my first companion. The next day after arriving, we set out to see some members in the country. Down the railroad track we walked for nine miles, then through the hills to the log cabin. A large tree was in the fire place and one end was near the door. As the log burned, in the fireplace, more of the tree was pushed in. During my stay in the Mission, many friends and converts were made in the country near Athena, Texas. One family that lived there followed me to Arizona and is still doing well here. After being in the Mission five months. I was chosen District President for the balance of my Missions. My headquarters were in Dallas, Texas. I helped organize the first Sunday School there. From this, the Dallas Stake has now formed. We had no cars and most of our travel was by train or by foot. I walked so many miles while there that I made a vow that when I was released I would get into some business where I could ride--and this I did. I got into the automobile business. I have seen the sick healed many times under my hands by the power of the Priesthood. Once while traveling alone, as I had to do at times as District President, I felt impressed to get off the train in this small town. I walked about four miles to where some members lived. Upon arriving, I found their ten year old daughter in the last stages of pneumonia. The country Doctor had given up. They asked me to administer to her. I went into a bedroom and asked God to help me and hear my prayer. Then I went in, and alone I administered to her, since no one else there held the Priesthood. Almost at once she began to breathe better and in a couple of days, she was up and around. The Lord really heard and answered my prayer. I really enjoyed my Mission in Texas, and shall always treasure it as a high spot in my life. At about this time our Father found another mate, and on March 31, 1920, he was married to Ethel Done and she came and helped to take care of the children and was a good mother in our home. And soon there were some more little children running around our house, so that Father's mass production program was carried on with five more children in the house. In 1952, Father's large family had now grown to great size, numbering about 75, which are now assembled in honor of these fine parents. Now in 1963 the number is 156, which includes in-laws, out-laws, grandchildren and great grandchildren, now living. By way of diversion at this time, I would like to tell of my experience in the Church up to this time. I was advanced through the Priesthood from a Deacon to an Elder and my Father ordained and advanced me in each case, which I feel is a great honor. Then I was ordained a Seventy by Brother Oscar Kirkham of the Council of seventy. Soon after returning from my Mission, I was put in as Stake Clerk of the old St. Joseph Stake, which, at that time, had19 wards and one Branch. When I moved to Phoenix, I was in the Stake Board of the Sunday School of the Maricopa Stake. Since moving to Tucson, I have served in many positions--chorister of the Sunday School, President of the Mutual, Stake Missionary, Teacher in the Sunday School, Ward Clerk, Superintendent of the Sunday School, Dance Instruction and Dance Manager of the Mutual. I have also been on the Ward Welfare Committee and a Ward Teacher. All of these positions have been of great aid in enriching my life, and I hope that I will always be kept busy in some capacity in the Church. I was set apart as 1st Counselor to A. Vern Busby of Tucson 3rd Ward on March 8, 1953, in the Cemetery at Mesa, Arizona. Elder Spencer W. Kimball had come to Mesa to attend my Father's funeral, and be the main speaker. After Father was buried, Brother Kimball asked Bishop Busby and myself to go to a beautiful spot and there we knelt before him and were ordained High Priests and I was set apart as Counselor in the Bishopric. Munson Bushman was the other Counselor. We enjoyed this experience very much. Brother Bushman was a professional aviator and we rented a small plane and flew to every Conference in Salt Lake City for four years. As our ward grew, we built a fine Chapel. It cost over $300.00 and soon the Fourth Ward was made and Manson Bushman was Bishop. Mac Matheson was chosen to take his place. Then in 1957 Bishop Busby and I were chosen to serve in the High Council and set apart by Brother George Q. Mossis. Not long after returning from the mission field, I seemed to have one central idea in mind and that was to find a nice little wife and settle down to a married life. There were several girls that I knew. But one Sunday afternoon, I went down to Porters with some friends and we were in their grape vineyard enjoying ourselves, when for the first time I saw Faye with the eyes of love, and I said to myself: "She's for me", and from then on I lost no time in convincing her of the idea. We were engaged within three weeks, but she had another year of school in Tempe to finish, which she did and we were married about a year later. The night before we were to be married, we were making plans and driving in a slight rain, when suddenly we were involved in a car wreck which badly smashed our new car and also broke Faye's shoulder. So we had to postpone the marriage for six weeks. We were married July 18, 1925. About 18 months later our first little girl was born on January 29, 1927, and about six months after we built our first home in Safford, on what is not the main thorough-fare. We were really happy. We were in the automobile business. We had a new car and thought life was mighty nice. When suddenly in 1929 the financial crash came and soon after we found that we were out of business. We had a offer of a good job in Mesa as Sales Manager for the Chevrolet dealer, there, so we moved. We sold our home and put all the money in the new place in Mesa only to have our entire savings gone in less than a year later. We moved to Phoenix where we stayed for about three years. Colleen was born here on February 26, 1931. Things were pretty tough and we could not afford to go to the hospital with her, so she was born in the duplex where we lived and the lady next door and a nurse helped the Doctor bring her into the world. I was also in such great anxiety, that I shut my mouth and gritted my teeth so hard, that the front bridge I had popped out. So when the baby came, both Colleen and her Daddy were without teeth. A year or so later we moved to Tucson where we were to start a new life in the insurance business. This was in 1932 right in the middle of the depression. Things were pretty tough for us for awhile and finally I was forced to give up the business and get a job. First, I drove a bakery truck for a year. Then back into the automobile business where we began to make our financial recovery. In 1936, August 28, another little girl was born to us, making three girls. Faye wanted to have this baby I her Mother's home , so we took her to Thatcher, where she stayed until the baby was born. The night she was born Faye sent a telegram to me in the afternoon which said; "this is the day, but don't hurry." That afternoon I left Tucson for Safford only to be held up for a long time with severe summer floods. So by the time that I arrived in Thatcher, the party was all over. We decided to name her Karen Sue. When Faye told her Father what the name was to be, he misunderstood her and said: "You're going to name her Carrot Soup?" Soon after Sue came we decided to build us another home so we bought a lot and I took three months off from my work and hired some men, bought some cement and went to work and built us a home at 333 North Tucson Blvd. This was in 1937. In 1940, September 4th, another little girl, Carolyn Faye was born to bless our home and I decided by this time that I was definitely in a rut since this made four girls for us. One ambition that Faye had for her girls was that each should learn to play the piano and with her patience and long suffering each in turn has learned to play. In 1941 Pearl Harbor was bombed and within a few weeks we were without a job again, since the Government froze all automobiles in the Country and none could be sold. I had to go to the hospital for an operation and after coming out of there, I got in the service station businesses and have been there for 21 years. During this time our oldest daughter Priscilla had gone through school and college. She married Melvin V. Denham on November 26, 1948 and had a daughter Dianna on September 8, 1949. Teri Sue was born July 17, 1951, which still left us in a rut as far as girls were concerned. She then had twins, a girl, Kimberly Faye and a boy, Melvin Kelly on June 27, 1957. Colleen , our second daughter, went through schooling and married Jack Fuller who finished a fine mission for the church in France. She has Stephen, born in 1953, Samuel born in 1956, and baby Jack Terrell Fuller, Jr. born May 24, 1960. Sue, our third daughter, finished high school and three years of college and then she married Francis Paul Bunker on June 3, 1955. The now have a son Francis Brent Bunker born March 7, 1958, and a daughter Carolyn Leigh Bunker, born November 15, 1961. Carolyn was 2 1/2 months early and only weighed three pounds at birth and then lost down to 2 pounds. But she is now a healthy normal child. Carolyn, our baby, was the best boy that we had. She was the one that wanted a football, basket ball and a bicycle and wants a baseball glove and bat for Christmas. But now our baby too, is grown. She finished 3 years at UoA and then on June 2, 1961, she married Norman Terryl Rogers who had just returned from a mission. She nw has a baby daughter, Dena Lynn born March u, 1962. They say that life begins at 40, and now I, Lorenzo Cleone Payne, am 60 years and I am sure that they are right. Your hair begins to fall out, your stomach begins to fall out over you belt, and your arms get to short that you can't read any more so you get glasses. Your arches fall down and all in all, I'm sure that life begins at 40--Begins to Go to Pieces that Is.

 Exodus from Mexico in 1910

 This story was written by Harry L. Payne's son Thurber Payne and is from the book "Our Heritage" Harry L. Payne lived in Dublan for over 20 years and he had worked at many occupations to provide for the needs of his growing family. He began by driving freight teams and then he kept store on a railroad construction gang, he was a farmer, a bricklayer; raised chickens, made candy for commercial sale, taught school, drove a team on a scraper while building a roadbed for a railroad and maybe other vocations. He was not afraid to work to care for the family that he loved. A revolution developed among the Mexicans in the area of the Mormon Colonies and the Saints were forced to flee from their homes. This little family was permitted to take with them just one small trunk, four suitcases and a roll of bedding. They were also allowed to take some food for the journey to El Paso, Texas. This was all of their earthly possessions and was the accumulation of their entire lives that they could take from their home. This was for a Father and Mother and seven children. Before they left their home Harry L. opened the gate into the chicken yard where there were 300 white leghorn chickens and set them free to forage for themselves. He opened the gate from the front of the house and the gate to the corral and let his three milk cows loose. Pearl was cooking fruit and had some on the stove. She just had to turn her back on her home and walk away, not even dareing to look back. She never again saw their little home or any of their possessions that they left behind. The train that was to take them to El Paso, Texas, did not arrive on schedule due to the extra time taken to care for the people from the Colonies farther south. The people had been gathered at the rail line all night long and when the train finally arrived it was already filled to capacity and there was no room for the large group gathered in Dublan. Albert Daniel Thurber was the Bishop of the Ward at Dublan. He approached the engineer of the train and asked that the freight and cattle cars that were on the side track, be attached to the train so that all of the people that had been waiting so long, could go with them to El Paso. At first the engineer refused, but when Bishop Thurber told him that the Colonists would take the train themselves, for they had men that were just as capable as he, to operate it, the engineer said that if the cars would be pushed onto the main line they could be connected but that the train could not move backwards. The men on the group pushed the cars forward and made the connection to the train. The colonists put their trunks and suitcases into the boxcars and cattle cars and then put their bedding on top of the trunks. This made a better place for the passengers to sit. Harry "M" Payne and Harry L. Payne were selected by the men of the group to ride the train with the women and children and be of whatever assistance that they could. It was a sad and sorrowful looking group of people that arrived in El Paso, where most of them were housed in an abandoned lumber yard, with just bedding hanging to divide the space for each family and afford them some privacy. There were a few homes available in El Paso, near the area where the Colonists were deposited and Harry L. was able to secure one for his family, where they lived for about three weeks, before deciding to return to Glenwood, Utah, where there were relatives and others to assist them with their needs.

The Secret of Mine and Daddy Good Life Together

written by Faye Porter Payne

It's love the poet's write about, our church outlines for us. In songs so sweet and fair: Love that gives a magic touch to moments sweethearts share. It's Love that holds the secret of making dreams come true; and Love that makes a marriage last a lifetime through. It's Love that makes a house a home That's filled with warmth and joy, And Love that builds a friendship Time and distance can't destroy. It's Love that makes life wonderful In a way word's can't define And Love that gives such meaning To a marriage like daddy's and mine. Proof of all this is our four lovely daughters--our posterity. And we'll all be together for time and all eternity!

Memories by Faye Porter Payne Written 1974 of Her Last Years with Her Husband Cleone 

In May 1971, Cleone and I, Junius and Helen, Thurber and Lynn went on a trip to Mexico to Colonia Dublan Cleone's birthplace. Junius died the next July 9, 1971 and 3 years later May 31, 1974 Lorenzo Cleone Payne died. In 1968 while in the service station business, a young man came by with a camping trailer and Cleone fell in love with the idea of a folding trailer. It was compact to carry behind a car and yet opened up to a sleeping room-beds-drawers, kitchen-etc. The fellow asked Cleone if he could pack it there for several weeks and if Cleone could sell it, he would get the commission. He did sell it and the next time the fellow came he left 2 trailers. Cleone sold both and was anxious to get more. A Nimrod dealer came by and Cleone took a couple of Nimrods and sold one to Carol and Terryl. This little business continued on the side until January of 1970 when Cleone retired from the service station at 67 years. He was used to being busy as a salesman all his life. We talked about leasing enough space for a small trailer. We decided we would like that business. We became dealers for Apache and StarCraft folding trailers. What we hoped would be a small business, became a thriving business... almost more than we could handle. Jack Fuller, a lawyer and our son-in-law took over the legal business of Campin Trailer Inc. and Terryl Rogers another son-in-law and a CPA took over our taxes and between the two Daddy and I had no worries (from a legal stand point that is). Cleone and I were in this together. It cemented our love and respect for each other. We laughed together, cried together and enjoyed our children and grandchildren as they dropped in. The little Roger girls were his delight. How he loved to see Carol drive up with there four little daughters. The minute the car would stop, the doors sprang open and four little girls leaped out. They were dressed so cute, always clean, and they would race to the ice box. The fun for the "Beloved Grampy" began. He had purposely filled the little ice box with goodies and you should see their eyes sparkle as they opened the ice box and Grampy would say "Don't eat my grapes" and " you've eaten all my rolls" etc. How he loved to tease them. They only laughed with glee and ate more! Carolyn was such a joy to he Daddy. Called him every morning at the place of business to kid him, find out how he was and just to talk to him. He loved it- and I use to kid him and say "you even sound a little disappointed when I call, and you found out it is me." In the wards and stake he was called upon to bless and comfort many people. Very seldom did a week pass that he wasn't called to the hospital or a home to administer to the sick. A High Councilman, Leslie Brewer- who was very ill at a hospital asked for Cleone to administer to him. When Cleone arrived, he was met by Leslie's wife Nina. She said, "Leslie has said many times that one of Cleone's spiritual gifts is healing." Cleone was a High Councilman for 15 years and loved by many for his ability to laugh and enjoy life. He had a warm and friendly handshake and comforting words, he would often sing as part of his sermons he preached. The people loved that for he had a beautiful, rich and full voice. In January 1974 he was chosen to be the Patriarch of the Tucson North Stake. This was a "fulfillment" to him. President Kimball stated at Ethlene Mangum's funeral "The Payne's have had more Patriarchs in their family than any other family in the church." Cleone loved people--enjoyed being in their midst. When going to the Temple in Mesa (on Bus) he kept everyone awake with laughter and song. We'd sing our hearts out as he led mostly church hymns, but many beautiful old time songs like: “Over the Rainbow", "When it’s Spring Time in the Rockies", "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" and even Primary songs. “I am a Child of God” was his favorite. At parties, high counsel or ward he kept people laughing, joking and we'd all forget our cares and troubles and have a good time! In the home he was so "slow" to anger. Things just were never bad enough to make him shout or lose his temper or raise his voice in anger. Even as he corrected the children for mistakes they had made and sometimes forgetting to keep their promises--he would talk softly to them and tears would roll down their cheeks. They realized their mistakes, and that their Daddy was right. He live completely the scripture "a soft voice turneth away wrath". He could disagree without being disagreeable. He honored his priesthood in the home and the children felt the power of this and respected his Priesthood. They felt their Father spoke with a special kind of authority. They listened with their hearts as well as their ears. They loved and respected him dearly and yet he was full of life and fun. It was a joy for them to be with him at picnics, on trips, at dances or in the home. He radiated love and happiness. Then Friday morning (May 31, 1974) Daddy Cleone and I were at the trailer lot early. We knew it would be a busy day. About 9:00 our precious daughter Carol and Stephanie came. Then Carol popped the question, "Daddy, when are you going to call your Dr.?" She was so concerned and so was I. Cleone didn't sleep well and we knew he felt terrible. But he didn't ever complain. His regular Dr. recommended a specialist and at 10:00 am Cleone left for Drs. office and Carol and I were to take over. He started out to the car--was almost there when he turned around and started back, but went on, got in the car and drove off. Carolyn and I were busy. Cleone didn't come back. Shortly after noon, Carolyn said, "Mom, I think I'll run out to the hospital and see what happened to Daddy", I said, "Oh do!--I'll deliver the trailers." A few hours later, she came back and said he was fine. He talked, laughed, but was receiving medication. I was grateful when the trailers were delivered and we could go to the hospital. They were preparing Cleone for surgery. I was shocked, but they said it was minor, but necessary. I talked to Cleone and he was concerned for me having to deliver 3 trailers alone, but I told him all went well. He was happy to see us. That was the last time we saw him alive, he never came out of the antiseptic. My heart was broken-----it hurts to cry! 

  

Memories of my Grampy by Dianna Hadlock 

I can honestly say that I never saw my Grampy Payne mad. He was always so funny. I remember that big ring he had on his fingers and he would shake your hand and squeeze your hand so hard until your fingers would turn completely red. It would really hurt but he would laugh and laugh. Then when we would go camping he would have all the kids make this huge pile of pine needles right beside his chair. When the fire would start dimming he would throw on the fire a huge handful of pine needles. To his delight everyone would squeal and have to move their chairs back. You could see him just grinning from ear to ear. I have the memory of his car full of candy from the service station when he came up for visits. Also we would always go to Matta's Mexican food and he loved the bottle of chilies. He would open the jar of chilies and eat one chili after another. I would always try to eat one but they were really spicy. But Grampy (Cleone) would just sit there and eat those chilies with a big smile on his face. Christmas I remember that my Mom and Dad (Priscilla and Melvin) would give Grampy a gag Christmas gift every year. Well as the years would pass on Christmas Eve he would just put all the gag gifts on at one time. What a Sight to Look at! He had everything on rom a huge Christmas tie, glasses with eyes that would pop out, a clown wig, big feet slippers, socks that would light, a huge million dollar bill with Santa's face (he kept trying to give it to you), and a funny hat that when he would nod it made a funny noise. It kept the families laughing all night long. But the best thing I remember was that my Grampy had a testimony of this church. He gave me many blessings when I was sick and I could feel the power in the words he said. I loved to hear him speak in church and when he was in our ward on Fast Sundays he would always bear his testimony of the gospel and his love for his family. I knew he was very special and I am very proud to be his first granddaughter.

Just an interesting not on this line of authority.  I requested many lines-of-authority for different family members.  However, Salt Lake City called me on Grampy Payne's.  The reason for the call is that  he was set apart by Spencer W. Kimball, who later became the prophet of the church.  Actually, when you look closely, his line of authority came through three prophets of the Mormon church.  I had to verify that he indeed was my Grampy before they would release the document to me. (Dianna Hadlock)