Larry D. Payne, age 83, of Grand Haven, passed away at home on Saturday, January 17, 2026. He was born on June 7, 1942, in Grand Haven, MI, to the late Floyd and Anna (Buckner) Payne. He married Janice Langley on August 14, 1989, in Grand Haven.

Larry graduated from Grand Haven High School, Class of 1960. After graduation, he went on to proudly serve his country in the US Army as a Jumpmaster Paratrooper from 1962 to 1965, during the Vietnam War Era. Larry was a lifelong resident of Grand Haven and worked for Consumers Energy for most of his working life, retiring in 2004. He previously worked part-time as a mechanic for the City of Norton Shores.

Larry was a proud 49-year member of the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post 28 and Lifetime Member of the Grand Haven Fraternal Order of Eagles # 925. He enjoyed bowling, collecting coins, and cutting and splitting wood. He was also a big Detroit Lions football fan and U of M sports fan who loved to travel, visiting all 50 states throughout his lifetime.

Larry will be forever remembered and missed by his loving wife of 36 years, Janice; his daughter, Lori Smith; two sons, Bill (Marie) Payne and Carl Payne; step-children: Rhonda Goeller, Brian Griesbach, and Matthew Ryder; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sisters, Rosie (Bill) Currier and Beverly Yff; brothers, Donald (Viola) Payne and Paul (Deanna) Payne; siblings-in-law: Donna Payne, Nora Bridges, Frank (Sharon) Langley, and Joe (Maria) Langley; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his sisters, Nancy Benes and Margie Lyons; four brothers: Bob Payne, James "Jim" Payne, Frank Payne, and Arthur "Art" Payne; and sister-in-law, Rosemary Payne.

The Celebration of Life for Larry will take place on Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., at 13935 155th Ave., Grand Haven. 

Visitation was held on January 24, 2026 at Klaassen Family Funeral Home. 

Interment will be at Grand Haven Township Historic Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

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