David D. “Babe” Payne

Wellsville, NY - David D. “Babe” Payne, escaped this mortal realm on Tuesday, March 10, 2020. He was 70. Babe was world renowned for his “tell-it-like-it-is“ attitude, his sarcastic disposition, and the giant black mug that traveled the world with him. He offered charm, wit, and an underlying love and loyalty to those who were his friends and family. He was an amazing person, part sinner and part saint,  all bundled up into one unique package. If you were fortunate to have met him and share a drink with him, you'd have liked him immediately and would have been considered a friend.

Babe was a respiratory therapist for over 30 years at Jones Memorial Hospital, where he was known to take smoke breaks on the loading dock after treating patients with breathing problems! He was a a member of the VFW, Moose and the American Legion, where he was a member of the Honor Guard. He was loyal to his bar stool every Friday.

He was a 1967 graduate of Wellsville High School. He was a Retired United States Marine. He loved sports and betting (maybe betting a bit more), and was a great coach during his children's school years. He was an avid bowler with the American Legion bowling team for many years.

He is survived by five children, Tracy (Brian) Ruprich of Naperville, IL, Steven (Stephanie) Payne of Sedley, VA, Joseph Payne, and Frank (Amanda) Payne of both of Wellsville, and Brittany Payne of Mesa, AZ, eight grandchildren, Ryan and Emily Ruprich, Chris Payne, Autem Payne, David Payne, Kalie Payne, Alyssa Payne, and Trent Payne, a great grandson, Kasen, two brothers, Doug (Holly) Payne of Brockport, and Skip (Barb) Payne of Clearwater, FL, Erik Payne and Breanna Payne and many more beloved nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Dale and Virginia (Liesegang) Payne, a son, David Payne, two brothers, Daniel and Gary Payne, and a crazy number of dogs and cats, who will surly be waiting for him at the gates.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, March 13, 2020 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. The funeral will be Saturday at 11:00 an in the funeral home with Rev. James Hartwell presiding. Please consider memorial donations to Toys for Tots at www.toysfortots.org or the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.