Morton A. “Mort” Payne – 87 – of Arkport, NY and Ocala, FL, was called home to the Lord on October 27, 2025.
He was born in Avoca on April 22, 1938, and was the son of John and Grace (Haley) Payne.
Mort was the youngest of 4 children — Norman, Nelson, Marcia & Mort. He lived most of his life in Avoca where he graduated Avoca Central School.
He was a Veteran of the United States Air Force, serving his country from 1956 -1960. He later served in the United States Army National Guard from 1976 until 1996.
In May, 1963, he was married to Grace “Anne” Towner who died October 25, 2004. Together they raised 5 children, Richard, Mildred, Stephen, Michael and Donald.
After Anne’s passing, Mort met Barbara (Hilt) Payne. They where married on November 14 2015 and would spend their time between Ocala and Arkport. Mort & Barbara enjoyed traveling and staying on the go. Mort was an active member of many fraternal and civic organizations, including the Avoca Fire & Ambulance, Arkport Fire & Ambulance, Hornell Elks Lodge, Arkport American Legion, Avoca American Legion, AMVETS Post in Ocala & Hornell, Hornell Association, Hornell Moose Lodge and Hornell Eagles.
In his younger years, Mort worked part time at Hunts Market in Avoca and for 30 years served as a driver for United Parcel Service (UPS) until his retirement in 1995.
In addition to his wife, Grace “Anne” Payne, Mort was preceded in death by his parents, John & Grace Payne; his brothers, Norman Payne, Nelson Payne & Marcia Grover; his daughter, Mildred Byron.
Surviving are his wife, Barbara; his children, Richard Fox, Stephen Payne, Michael Payne and Donald Payne; 14 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; along with nieces and nephews.
The family of Morton A. Payne will receive friends on Wednesday (Nov. 12, 2025) from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Funeral Service with Military Honors will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 6:00 PM. Burial will be in Valley View Cemetery, Avoca, NY.
Mort’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to The Tunnel to Towers Foundation (T2T), 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306. Online donations may be made by visiting donationsupport@t2t.org. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.
In honor of Mort’s service to his country as a member of the United States Air Force and United States Army National Guard, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.
