Francis C. Payne, 78, died Friday in Peabody. He was born Sept. 3, 1933, on a farm near Clyde to Mose and Julia (Gram) Payne.

He graduated from Clyde High School in 1951 and earned a bachelor’s degree at in 1960.

Francis owned and operated Payne Oil Company in Wichita. After moving to Peabody in 1989, he owned and operated Peabody Hardware and Lumber until his retirement.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn (Crawford) Payne; four children, Steve of Denver, Colo., Callyn Worchester of Goddard, Raughnsen of Gerry, N.Y., and Krishyn Caldwell of Peabody; one brother, Larry Payne; and seven grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, William and Richard Payne; and a sister, Neva Ester.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Gracepoint Church in Peabody, with burial at 4 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery in Clay Center.

Memorial funds have been established for Hospice Care of Kansas, 301 N. Main, Newton, KS, 67114.