Memorial services for William “Bill” Payne will be at 11:00 am, Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the St. John’s Lutheran Church. A visitation will begin at 5:00 pm, Friday, August 15, 2025, at the St. John’s Lutheran Church with a prayer service at 7:00 pm.

William E. Payne, 86, of Selby, passed away on August 10, 2025. Bill was born in Selby on March 6, 1939, to Earl and Edith (Margeson) Payne.

He grew up in the Glenham area and graduated high school from the School of Agriculture in Brookings, SD. After graduation, Bill joined the U.S. Army, where he proudly served from 1958 to 1960. Following his discharge, he returned to Selby, where he spent 18 years with the South Dakota Department of Transportation as an engineer. He later explored new paths, working as a truck driver, for Mathis Electric, and as the owner of Payne’s Clothing Store in Selby. Bill returned to the Department of Transportation in 1987 and retired in 2001, completing an impressive 32-year career as an engineer.

Bill met the love of his life, Sharon Reuer, and they were married on June 15, 1968, at St. John Lutheran Church in Selby. He had three children, Wade, Talli, and Brett and eight grandchildren.

Bill and Sharon enjoyed traveling and created many fond memories on their trips to Australia, Alaska, Canada, Hawaii, New Zealand, and several cruises. He also loved golfing, playing cards, and riding motorcycles. One of his favorite traditions was riding to the Sturgis Rally each year with friends. He cherished attending his grandchildren’s extracurricular events and was always the proudest “Papa” in the crowd—whether it was football, baseball, dance, soccer, volleyball, or wrestling. He was a loyal Pierre Governors fan and immensely proud of all his grandchildren.

Bill was an active member of the Selby community. He served as a Selby Volunteer Firefighter, was part of the Selby Ambulance Crew, and was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, where he served on the church council.

He was a true old cowboy and held that identity close to his heart. Bill was a “one-of-a-kind” kind of guy, and everyone who knew him had a favorite “Bill story.” His sense of humor and quick wit were unforgettable—he had an innate ability to make people laugh and bring joy wherever he went. He loved his wife, family, and friends with all his heart.

Bill is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sharon; his three children, Wade (Judy) Payne of Greenville, WI, Talli (Jammie) Raske of Pierre, and Brett (Amber) Payne of Owasso, OK; his eight grandchildren, Billy Payne, Gage Payne, T.J. Payne, Ellie Payne, Macahl Raske, Maguire Raske, Xander Payne, and Gabby Payne; and his nephew, Scott Payne.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Edith; his brother, Dick (Molly Mae) Payne; and nephews, Rick and Dave Payne.

Memorials may be directed to the Lake Hiddenwood Foundation, PO Box 131, Selby, SD 57472.

1. Add to favourites
2. Report abuse