Charles Edwin Payne, 85, died on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026, at his home in Tyrone, Oka. He was born on July 5, 1941, to Charles Robert and Nellie Veda (Giles) Payne in Carnegie, Okla. He married Sonya Sue Stalcup June 11, 1965, at the Western Avenue Church of Christ in Liberal. She survives. He graduated from Tyrone High School, class of 1959. He then obtained his bachelor’s degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Charles began his 30-plus-year teaching career in Amarillo, Texas, later teaching in Adams, Okla., Tyrone and Liberal. He also worked in the oilfield from the late 1970s into the 1980s. He enjoyed watching the Kansas City Chiefs football and the Oklahoma Thunder basketball. He also enjoyed golfing, shooting pool, and playing bridge. He is also survived by his son, Darin Payne of Liberal; daughter, Deena Montano and husband Michael, Guymon, Okla.; granddaughter, Chelsea Cappellucci and husband, Lane of Guymon; two grandsons, Chase Montano of Guymon and Cameron Montano of Guymon; and four great-grandchildren: Harper, Grace, Titus, and Lainey Cappellucci. He was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers: Byron, Gary, Kenneth and Preston Payne. • A private family burial took place at the Tyrone Cemetery. Friends may send condolences to the family through his tribute web page at millermortuary.net.