Judge William Thomas Payne

Judge William Thomas Payne, 92, of Zanesville, well known Judge and Attorney from Muskingum County, died at 8:52 A.M. on Thursday, April 29, 2021 at Continuing Healthcare at Adams Lane, Zanesville. He was born November 14, 1928, in New Concord, a son of the late Genius T. and N. Ruth (Smith) Payne. He graduated from New Concord High School, attended Muskingum College, and graduated in 1952 from the College of Law at Ohio Northern University. He is a United States Army Veteran serving in Heidelberg, Germany during WWII (1953-1954). Judge Payne was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Muskingum Valley Old-Timers Baseball Association, Elks Club, American Legion, Muskingum County Farm Bureau, and enjoyed coaching baseball.

During his career, he was the Muskingum County Assistant Prosecutor under Richard Bridwell (1961-1964); joined the law firm of Jones, Goldcamp, and Funk in 1965 and partnered with Mary Vashti Funk and Carl F. Funk, dba as Jones, Funk, and Payne until his retirement in 2018; and served as the Muskingum County Court Judge for twenty-five years (1975-2001). He was very proud of performing over 2600 marriages during his time as Judge.

Honors that he received are Boss of the Year in 1974 by the Muskingum County Legal Secretaries Association and Muskingum County Bar Association for over sixty five years of service.

He is survived by a son, Neil T. Payne; his longtime friend and loyal secretary of fifty years, Debbie Britton; and a brother, Robert T. (Patricia) Payne; three nieces, Kim (Kim White) Cline, Regina (Greg) Hemp, and Nanette (Rick Kamm) Payne.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Nancy K. (Lepper) Payne who died June 26, 2019.

Friends and family may call from 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at the BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME, 1271 BLUE AVENUE, ZANESVILLE where funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, May 5, 2021, with Pastor Andrew Wilson officiating.  He will be laid to rest at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, New Concord.

Full Military Honors will be accorded to him by the United States Army in conjunction with the VFW George Selsam Post 1058 and the American Legion Post 29.

The family would like to thank Adams Lane Care Center for all the care and love given to Judge Payne in his final days.

Self-provided face masks must be worn and social distancing be observed during the calling hours and funeral service.

To send a note of condolence, or to order flowers or comfort food: visit www.bolin-dierkesfuneralhome.com, follow us on Facebook, or call our professional staff at (740)452-4551.

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