Judge Tom Payne remembered for helping others
View Comments
ZANESVILLE - A longtime figure in the local law community died Thursday morning at the age of 92, leaving those who knew him with fond memories of his predictable routines and distinct personality.
Tom Payne could easily be found surrounded by his friends sitting in a school desk in the Muskingum County Courthouse, sipping on coffee or Coke and striking up conversations with those who passed by.
Payne quickly learned her name and would always greet her in the courtroom or in the lobby. He d say well, Hey, good morning, Dorothy. Have you been too Kansas lately? Or he d ask me where Toto was. Every time I ever saw him, he would say that to me, she said.
WHIZ News
Funeral Set for Former Muskingum County Court Judge
92-year-old Tom Payne passed away Thursday just before 9:00 a.m.
During his career Payne was the Muskingum County assistant prosecutor under Richard Bridwell in the early 1960’s. He joined the law firm of Jones, Goldcamp and Funk in 1965 and partnered with Mary Vashti Funk and Carl Funk until his retirement in 2018.
He served as Muskingum County Court Judge for 25 years. He was very proud of performing over 2,600 marriages during his time on the bench.
Calling hours are set for Tuesday May 4
th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Bolin-Dierkes Funeral Home where funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. Payne will be laid to rest with Full Military Honors at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in New Concord.