Thomas Joseph (TJ) Payne, Sr. “Wamni Wagan Hokshina” High Eagle Boy, age 39, passed away December 12, 2019 at his home in Wolf Point, MT.
TJ was born November 21, 1980 to Thomas Franklin Payne and Darla Jackson. He grew up in Oswego and Wolf Point area. He attended school in Wolf Point and Frazer school. He worked for A & S industries machine operator and as a ranch/farm hand for the Fort Peck Tribal Ranch and along with other farmers on the River bottom including his uncle Carl. He moved to Louisiana and returned back to his home where he spent time with his daughter Kaelyn and his nephew Jaxon.
He played baseball youth sports in Wolf Point and was a fan of the Chicago Bears. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He grew up with his siblings and cousins. He enjoyed hanging out with his cousin Carl (Kid) Payne. TJ was always laughing and had a great sense of humor.
TJ is survived by his children Tommy Payne, Kaelyn Payne, and Dakota Payne. He took good care of his nephew Jaxon. Father Thomas Franklin Payne. Siblings Olyn Payne and Jeanette Payne. Special Aunt JoJo (Dale) Grandchamp, Davey Jean Stewart; Cleo MacDonald, Gloria Urbaniak, Susie (Bob) Symington, Faith Tallwhiteman, Margaret Payne; uncles Lowell and Curt Standing; neighbor and adopted grandma, Vera Beauchamp; and numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, and other extended family members.
TJ was preceded in death by his mother Darla, maternal grandparents Joseph and Gladys Jackson; paternal grandparents Layton and Joy Payne; uncle Carl Payne and John Payne; aunt Lynn Campbell, Patricia Stump, Cleo Hamilton; cousins Ryan Payne and Gladys Grandchamp; nieces Jolee Payne and Brianna Payne.
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