Joseph OG Payne was born to Ruthie May and Curtis Payne on August 3, 1928 in Morris Oklahoma. He was born into a family of five brothers, Floyd, Clarence, AG, James and William (all have preceded him in death) two sisters Ellen who preceded him in death and Lillian Payne currently residing in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Joseph moved to Arizona in 1952 where he met and married the love of his life Erma Jean Flint. To this union a son was born, Joseph L Payne Jr. Joseph and his family lived in Arizona for a number of years where he worked primarily in the cattle industry before permanently moving back to Morris Oklahoma.

Shortly after moving back to Oklahoma Joseph and his wife Erma gave their lives to Christ. Joseph immersed himself into his relationship with his Father God and soon became a devout Deacon of the Church. Each and every morning before the start of his day you could find him studying the word, humming hymns and praising God.

Joseph was most proud of being a father to his only son Joseph Payne Jr of Tulsa Oklahoma. His expectations were high but his love for his son was deeper. Although he had only one child, Joseph was a father to many of his nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews and extended family members. He was only one man but his arms and heart extended wide and was big enough to love anyone who wanted to come in.

Joseph also had a great love for animals and an exceptional gift of knowing when they were sick. Coupled with this natural instinct Joseph attended Riverside Veterinarian School in the early 1960's. While working in Arizona on several dairy farms, Joseph was the trusted veterinarian and single point of contact when animals needed care. This was a great accomplishment for an African American man during this period of time, however just one of many barriers he encountered, demolished, overpowered and transformed into success.

Joseph passed away on March 22, 2016.

He leaves behind his devoted and loving wife of 63 years, Erma Payne, loving son Joseph Payne Jr., (Kathy Payne) Granddaughter Tiffany Payne, a host of nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews and extended family.

Joseph will be forever missed; his imprint will be forever forged in the memory of the lives he touched and this community.

A Home Going Service is scheduled Saturday, April 2, 2016, 1:00 p.m., Mt. Calvary Apostolic Church, 1004 N Osage Ave, Okmulgee, OK; with Pastor Stacy Phillips, eulogizing. Interment will follow in Grave Creek Cemetery, Morris, OK.

Visitation will be Friday, 1;00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

The family has been cared for by House of Winn Funeral Home.