Steve Payne

Steve Payne, 75, of Eagle Butte passed away Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at his home.

A memorial service was held Saturday, July 3, 2021 at All Saints Catholic Church in Eagle Butte, with Father John Paul Trask presiding.

Steven Sylvester Payne was born December 31, 1945, but his life truly began when he was adopted by Jerome and Helen (Gerth) Payne. He was handpicked by his older sister Gerry, at the age of six months. From that day on, Steve considered himself “the luckiest man alive.” Growing up he was a proud Braves basketball player and continued to support the Braves all of his life.

Steve graduated from Cheyenne-Eagle Butte High School and continued his education at Northern State College in Aberdeen. He returned to “his town” of Eagle Butte, where he worked alongside his father at the State Bank of Eagle Butte. Steve was proud to have his children continue Jerome’s legacy while operating the bank.

While enjoying life with his wife, Susie, and children Tammy, Stephanie, and Russel, he also enjoyed hunting and fishing all over the country, cars, and guns. Along with his family, he enjoyed the company of Jerry Hinzman, Andy Meier, Rich Vought, Francis Zacher, Rick and Larry Eberhard, famous fisherman Bill Dance, his son Russel, and grandson Ridge.

Steve was an official National Weather Service recorder of the Eagle Butte area. He wrote a weekly column for the Eagle Butte News called the West River Angler and reported for the South Dakota Proud Anglers.

He contributed to his community by assisting with organizations such as the Eagle Butte Gun Club, Hunter Safety Courses, Goose Creek Tactical Range, CRST Fair & Rodeo, Tiny Tots, Lakota Nation Invitational, Crazy Horse Memorial, Eagle Butte Social Services, Eagle Butte Volunteer Fire Department and fireworks displays.

A summer highlight for Steve was Hometown Days, where the whole community came together to celebrate, which he was honored to be a part of.

Steve is survived by his wife of 54 years, Susie; daughter, Tammy (Glenn) Gunville; son, Russel (Amber) Payne; grandchildren: Crystina, Stevy, Ridge, Mason, Glennee, Tia, Anders, Maxtyn, Camryn, Reese, Brittany, and Brooke (Zach); great-grandchild, Coleson (whom he called Colton); adopted children: John (Heather) Muir and children, Sidora and Everett Payne Muir, Jonni Lynn Thompson and her children LaRissa, Mark, Maegan, and Linus, Jeff (Pam) Zacher, Lisa Zacher, Scott Zacher, Stacey (Ruben) Grajeda, Doug (Nanette) Even, Cyndi (Glenn) Fischer, Ethel Even, and Butch Engebretson; extended family: Susan (Keith) Smart, Rikki (Kirk) Fast Horse, Galen (Sheyenne) Eberhard, Jennine Dolphus Family, Trini (Chip) Bird Necklace, Harley (Wanda) Gunville, Dawson (LaRae) Gunville, Joyce Gunville Family, Bill (Margret) Gunville, all Gunville families, Dan Keller Family, Kristen Walters, Tiffany Larson, Holly Annis, Audrey (Red) Traversie Family, Jack (Melissa) Neigel, Cody (Paige) Neigel, Robert and Dorothy Short Family, Janice Eberhard, Terry Pearman, Kelsie (Justin) Haskell, and Juli Haskell.

Steve was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Stephanie Sue Payne; his parents, Jerome and Helen Payne; and his sister, Gerry Zacher.

In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to consider making a gift to the Eagle Butte Community Club in memory of Steve. Donations may be mailed to State Bank of Eagle Butte, PO Box 10, Eagle Butte, SD 57625.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg was in charge of arrangements.