Austin Dale Payne, 86, of Rockville passed away peacefully Thursday morning June 20, 2019 in his residence.  He was born January 16, 1933 in Lena, Indiana, son of William Ralph Payne and Thelma (Bell) Payne. 

Dale graduated from Van Buren High School in 1951.  He entered the U.S. Army in April of 1953, serving in Korea in the mortar division.  He was honorably discharged in April 1955.  He returned to Clay County, attended Indiana Teacher College in Terre Haute, and received a bachelor’s degree in science.  He married Judy Spear in 1958 and moved to Rockville to start his professional education career, and continued on to earn his masters degree in Public School Administration.  Dale taught U.S. Government, U.S. History, and Economics until 1972 when he became a High School Academic Counselor, always helping students with their future career choices.  He retired in 2002 after 44 years. 

Dale served as a minister at many Methodist churches in West Central Indiana for 50 years.  He was a member of the International Faith Ministries and “Yoked in Christ Ministries”, being involved with missionary work.  He loved ministering for the Lord and was a man of prayer.  He loved working at home in his flower and vegetable gardens.  Dale loved all of his Rockville High School students.  His greatest satisfaction was his compassion to help meet the needs of many people. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Kendra A. (Payne) Engrissei in 2003.  Three brothers: Wendell, James, and Kenny Payne, and a sister, Berneita Payne.

Dale is survived by his wife of 61 years, Judy (Spear) Payne and a son, Kevin Payne of Rockville.

Funeral services will be 11 A.M. Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at Butler Funeral Home, 218 N. College St. Rockville, Indiana.  Burial will follow at Calcutta Cemetery in Brazil with Military Honors.  The family will accept visitors from 4 to 6 P.M. on Tuesday, June 25 at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to “Yoked in Christ Ministries”.  Envelopes will be made available during visitation.