Paul Kimberly Payne

Paul K. Payne, 72, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, passed away on February 19, 2026, in Bartlesville. Paul was born on September 4, 1953, in Wichita, Kansas, to Paul and Norma (Roberts) Payne. He made the Bartlesville area his home for 46 years, where he built a life centered around family, faith, hard work, and the simple joys that meant the most to him. A proud graduate of Phillips University in Enid Oklahoma where he earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting. He went on to work as an accountant for Phillips Petroleum Company, dedicating his professional life to careful stewardship and excellence in his field. Among his accomplishments was his work in Chapel Management at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, a role that reflected both his leadership and his heart for service. Paul was well known for his love of OU sports and was a loyal fan through every season. He also enjoyed reading, taking trips to Branson, and later in life became an enthusiastic fan of classic television—especially The Andy Griffith Show. He appreciated the humor and wholesome storytelling that reminded him of simpler times. More than anything, Paul loved his family. Holidays were treasured occasions, but he and Peggy didn’t wait for special dates to spend time with loved ones—they regularly visited both his parents and his in-laws on weekends, cherishing those moments together. He was especially close to his three nephews who lived nearby. Paul rarely missed a school program, ballgame, graduation, or milestone event. He was immensely proud of them and celebrated every accomplishment by their side—even if all three chose to attend OSU, something he good-naturedly chose not to hold against them. On October 12, 1985, Paul married the love of his life, Peggy Chuning. Together they shared many happy and devoted years, building a marriage grounded in love, laughter, and unwavering support. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Norma Payne, and his grandmother, Vera Strate. Paul is survived by his loving wife, Peggy Payne; his brother and sister-in-law, Kirk and Stephanie Payne; his nephew and his wife, Marcus and Teresa Payne; his niece and her husband, Jennifer and Nathan Smith; his brother- and sister-in-law, Mike and Cheryl Chuning; his nephews and their wives, Matthew and Kelli Chuning and Jonathan and Annie Chuning; his nephew, David Chuning; his great-nephew, Matthew Payne; and his great-niece, Charlotte Chuning. He also leaves behind many extended family members and dear friends who will deeply miss his steady presence and warm spirit. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Journey Home in Paul’s memory. Paul will be remembered for his devotion to family, his quiet strength, his steadfast loyalty to OU, and the gentle humor he carried throughout his life. He leaves behind a legacy of love, faithfulness, and a life well lived.

Paul Kimberly Payne

September 4, 1953 - February 19, 2026