Edward Lee Payne

Loving husband, father, and grandfather, Dr. Edward L. Payne, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, passed away on October 18, 2023.

Ed was born November 12, 1935, in Bayard, Nebraska, to William C. Payne and Vera Cadwell Payne. The railroad family resided in Utah, Nevada, and California, before settling in Idaho Falls, Idaho, when Eddie was 12 years old. After graduating from Idaho Falls High School, Ed attended the University of Idaho where he joined the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, along with his older brother. He and Karen Lee Payne were married on August 30, 1957, then they moved to Kentucky where he attended the University of Louisville Dental School. After dental school, Ed joined the Army and they moved to Fort Riley, Kansas. Both sons were born in Kentucky and Kansas before the young family moved back to Idaho Falls in 1963 to begin his dentistry practice. His family grew with the birth of two daughters as his practice expanded at the building he shared with his father-in-law, who was also a dentist. He was a dedicated doctor who provided gentle care to his patients until his retirement in 2005.

In his retirement, he and his wife, Karen, built a cabin in Island Park where they enjoyed the great outdoors. He was an accomplished hunter, fisherman, and skier. He was also a big sports enthusiast. He was a lifelong supporter of University of Idaho Vandal athletics, college basketball, and any football, but nothing brought greater pleasure than watching his children and grandchildren play sports. His travels almost always included a sporting event. He enjoyed participating in Pheasants Forever, was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and a volunteer docent at the Museum of Idaho.

Surviving Ed are his sons, Bret Payne of Idaho Falls and Jeff Payne (Marilou Veloso) of Oceano, California; his daughters, Jana Long of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and Marci (Mike) Morrison of Idaho Falls. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren, Rebecca, Brittney (Jackson), Courtney, Nicole (Julio), Hannah, Kristin (Zach), Torrey, and Zachary. Ed is also survived by his siblings, Gene (Barbara) Payne of San Diego, California, Sue (Paul) Whitted of Boise, Idaho, and Elaine (Chris) Richards of Camano Island, Washington.

He is now reunited with loved ones who preceded him in death, his wife of 63 years, Karen, and his parents.

The family invites you to attend a reception in his honor from 3-6 p.m. on November 4, 2023, at the Westbank Convention Center, 525 River Parkway. A private family inurnment will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Museum of Idaho . The family would like to extend their gratitude to the caring staff at MorningStar Assisted Living Center and Hospice of Eastern Idaho.