Dale K. Payne, age 87, passed away peacefully Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011 in the presence of his family. He was born Feb. 24, 1924 to Claude and Minnie Payne in Vermillion, UT. He was the 8th of 9 children (3 sisters and 5 brothers). Growing up on the family farm taught him a life-long habit of hard work.

Dale graduated from Richfield High School in 1942 and then enrolled in Utah State University in Cedar City, UT. His college education was interrupted when he was called to serve his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He served as a P-38 fighter pilot in WWII mainly in the Aleutian Islands.

After returning from the War he met and married LaPreal Chamberlain. They resided in Vermillion, UT until 1955 when he moved his family to the Columbia Basin. He was able to fulfill his dream of having his own farm. They lived in Warden, WA for 33 years where they raised their 4 sons and one daughter. After their children were raised Dale and LaPreal moved to her childhood home of Orderville, UT. They lived there for 21 years. In 2009 they returned to the Columbia Basin to live with their children.

Dale took great pleasure in serving his church and community. He served his church in many positions including Bishop of the LDS Church in Warden, WA. He served on the Warden School Board and Grant Co. Mental Health Board. In Utah he served on the Kane Co. Hospital Board where he helped fulfill their dream of a new hospital in Kanab, UT.

He is survived by his loving wife, LaPreal of Ephrata, WA, their sons Jan (Doreen) of Chandler, AZ, Kendle (Kathy) of Ephrata, Mark (Gracie) of Moses Lake, Eric (Rebecca of Urbana, IL and daughter Karen Baadsgaard (Jay) of Yelm, WA. Dale and LaPreal having 25 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren. Dale was preceded in death by all his brothers and sisters, one granddaughter and one great great-granddaughter.

Funeral services will be Sat., Oct. 29, 2011 at 3:00 pm in the LDS Church in Ephrata, WA. Graveside services and burial will be in Orderville, UT on Sat., Nov. 5, 2011 at 10:00 am