Dr. Maurice W. Payne

Dr. Maurice W. Payne, a 78-year-old resident of Checotah, OK, died on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012 in Greece while vacationing with his wife and friends. He was a native of Galt.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 12, 2012 at the First Baptist Church of Checotah with Rev. Steve Dennis officiating. A private burial is planned.
Dr. Payne was born on May 31, 1934 at Galt, the son of P.K. and Ray Elaine Glaze Payne. He was married on May 21, 1971 to Gretchen Arlene Tackett, who survives of the home.
He was a graduate of Northeast Missouri State College in Kirksville and earned a doctorate in osteopathic medicine and surgery from the Kirksville College of Medicine. He completed his post-doctoral internship in Tulsa, OK. He began his medical career in 1960 in Checotah. He was one of the founding owners of Cedars and Checotah nursing homes and was chief of staff at Muskogee Regional Medical Center in 1987. He was a member of several medical professional groups, receiving several awards for his work. He was also active in civic and community affairs.
Dr. Payne raised cattle on his ranch and also enjoyed traveling with his wife, having visited over 40 countries on five continents. He also enjoyed bowling, theater, music, reading and sports.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children Dr. Gregory Payne and wife, Joanne of Carlsbad, NM, Tracie Payne of Edmond, OK, Julia Payne of Parker, CO, Keyton Payne and wife, Gina of Kingwood, TX, Dr. Thomas Payne and wife, Darla of Baton Rouge, LA and Shawn Payne and friend, Karen Lacy of Claremore, OK; 13 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; a sister, Judy Canning and her husband, Loyd of Kearney; a sister-in-law, Meredith Tackett of Checotah; a niece, Sherri Earnst and husband, Scott of Gallatin; and a nephew, Barry Canning of Phoenix, AZ.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials are suggested to the First Baptist Church New Life Center Building Fund, 210 SW 2nd St., Checotah, OK 74426.