Dennis Spencer “Doc” Payne, 60, of Marmaduke, died on Saturday at St. Bernard’s Medical Center. “Dino”, as he was known, served on the Marmaduke Fire Department and the Northeast Greene County Fire District. He had many interests including Cub and Boy Scouts, guns, cooking, woodworking, radio controlled airplanes and, most of all, public service with fire and police departments. As written by a fellow firefighter, Dennis led a life of helping others. As a young adult, he was a Boy Scout leader and continued throughout the years involved in scouting. He joined the Marmaduke Fire Department and worked hard at improving and building it up. During his time there, he served in most positions, eventually becoming the Fire Chief. In 1997, he was responsible for founding the Northeast Greene County Fire district. He served as District Chief and Board President. He trained literally hundreds of firefighters, many of whom became leaders in the department and community. He was a Chief to many, father to some, and brother to all. He also served the public as a reserve police officer, public works, city council, and in many other capacities.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Spencer and Marjorie Lea O’Dooley Coleman, sister Dottie Ann Knecht of California and a brother, Leonard Martin of Missouri.
Dennis is survived by his wife, Annette, of the home; sister, Barbara McFadyen of California; and his extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews and, of course, brother firefighters and many, many friends.
Visitation will be Tuesday from 6-8 PM at Heath Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Wednesday at 10 AM in the Heath Colonial Chapel with Rev. Kim Bridges and Bill Muse officiating. The family requests a procession of fire trucks escorts Dennis to his final rest in Pine Log Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Nick McDowell, Steve Franks, Jeff Evans, Matt Pruett, James Hargrove, Donald Lamar, Jimmy Parrish, Mike Noel, Justin May. Honorary Pallbearers are the Marmaduke Fire Department and Norhteast Greene County Fire District.