J. Aaron Payne

J. "Aaron" Payne, age 90, of Union, died February 5, 2008 at a local care facility. A Celebration of Life will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 11, 2008 at Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center, 1502 7th Street in La Grande. Committal and interment will follow at the Union Cemetery.

Aaron was born on April 8, 1917, the son of James Samuel and Lillian Pearl (Hall) Payne in Spokane, Washington. He graduated from La Grande High School with the class of 1936. He was an accomplished dairy farmer, specializing in Brown Swiss Cows. Over the years in his work he earned many awards for his devotion to his profession and for his help in teaching young people through FFA programs. He also raised pigs at one time and later miniature horses. He enjoyed woodworking, making grandfather clocks, china cabinets, cedar chests and gun cabinets. He was always ready to help kids in need and supported the Union City Little League, the Union FFA, the Salvation Army and other worthy causes. He loved animals and the outdoors. Although he never married or had kids of his own he was the beloved Uncle to his many nieces and nephews, great and great great nieces and nephews and will be missed.

Survivors include his sister and brother-in-law, Emma & Frank Hoyt of Union; sister, Peggy Garrison of Salem; brother, Jimmy Lee & Pat Payne of Woodburn; local nieces & nephews, Dale & Martha Phillips, Dan & Linda Hoyt, Paul & Brenda Phillips and Peggy & Don Nowak, all of Union; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by sister, Wanneta Wilson and brother, Porter Alex "Tim" Payne.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to the Union FFA Chapter or the Union City Little League in care of Daniels~Knopp.