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Celebration of Life:
Wednesday, July 3, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
at the Lincoln Masonic Lodge # 210.
Funeral home: Peasley Funeral Home, Lincoln
Obituary
Thomas Robert Payne, 61, of Lincoln,
raced his way to the checkered flag on Monday, July
1, 2019. His engine first revved on January 7th,
1958 in Buffalo, son of Thomas Arthur (Owner) and
Patsy Ann Payne (Team Manager) who preceded him in
crossing the finish line. He married Peggy Irene
Payne on February 15th, 1995 and she will always be
his number one fan and Crew Chief. With only three
laps to go, Tom blew his tires after suffering
complications from surgery. The caution flag was
waved and he was immediately taken to pit row, where
his team helped him trade in his race car for a
motorized wheelchair. He had to get used to the new
chassis and significant decrease in horsepower, but
he did it all with the support of his family and a
positive outlook.
His pit crew included his daughters; Lorinda (Alan)
Griffith of Atlanta, Autum (Ed) Robison of Lincoln,
Amber Geggie of Lincoln, and Larisa (Chuck) Demling
of Ewa Beach, HI. He formed lasting friendships and
considered Chad Batson as a member of his pit crew
as well. Still running their laps are his sister,
Lori Mullet, of Buffalo, and his brother, Ron
(Tammy) Payne, of Springfield. With 11
grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and his
dog, Annabelle, drafting right behind them.
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Tom spent his time away from the
races as a member of Wade Barney Lodge #512 AF & AM
in Bloomington. He was also a member of Illinois DeMolay in his youth and was an avid supporter of
the organization throughout his life. He enjoyed
gardening, barbecuing, photography, air
conditioning, complaining about the weather, and St.
Louis Cardinals baseball. He loathed the Cubs, Tony
Stewart, corrupt politicians, and for unknown
reasons, the state of Ohio. Most importantly, Tom
was a devoted and loving husband to his wife Peggy,
and he was either really brave or just plain nuts,
when he stepped into the father role to her four
daughters; who will forever be grateful for his
love, support, and encouragement.
A celebration of life and announcement of the winner
of the race will be on Wednesday, July 3, 2019 from
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Lincoln Masonic Lodge
# 210.
Masonic Rites will be held at 8:00 p.m. following
the visitation.
In lieu of flowers and trophies, the family suggests
memorials to Illinois Demolay. And always remember,
life is too short to drive slow.
Peasley Funeral Home is assisting the family with
arrangements.
Click here to send a note of condolence to the
family of Thomas Robert Payne |
