Steve Payne

Steve Payne, 75, of Eagle Butte passed away Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at his home.

A memorial service was held Saturday July 3, 2021 at All Saints Catholic Church, Eagle Butte with Father John Paul Trask presiding.  

Steven Sylvester Payne was born December 31, 1945, but his life truly began when he was adopted by Jerome and Helen (Gerth) Payne. He was handpicked by his older sister Gerry, at the age of six months. From that day on, Steve considered himself “the luckiest man alive.” Growing up he was a proud Braves basketball player and continued to support the Braves all of his life.

Steve graduated from Cheyenne-Eagle Butte High School, and continued his education at Northern State College in Aberdeen. He returned to “his town” of Eagle Butte where he Continued on Page 5

worked alongside his father at the State Bank of Eagle Butte. 

Steve was proud to have his children continue Jerome’s legacy while operating the bank. 

While enjoying life with his wife, Susie and children: Tammy, Stephanie, and Russel, he also enjoyed hunting, fishing, cars, and had a love for guns all over the country. Along with his family, he enjoyed the company of Jerry Hinzman, Andy Meier, Rich Vought, Francis Zacher, Rick & Larry Eberhard, famous Fisherman Bill Dance, his son Russel, and grandson Ridge. Steve was an official South Dakota state recorder of the Eagle Butte area for the National Weather Service. He wrote a weekly column for the Eagle Butte News called the West River Angler and reported for the South Dakota Proud Anglers.

Steve enjoyed contributing to his community by assisting with organizations such as the Eagle Butte Gun Club, Hunter Safety Courses, Goose Creek Tactical Range, CRST Fair & Rodeo, Tiny Tots, Lakota Nation Invitational, Crazy Horse Memorial, Eagle Butte Social Services, Eagle Butte Volunteer Fire Department and fireworks displays. A summer highlight for Steve was Hometown Days, where the whole community came together to celebrate, which he was honored to be a part of. 

Steve is survived by his wife of 54 years, Susie; daughter, Tammy (Glenn) Gunville; son, Russel (Amber) Payne; grandchildren: Crystina, Stevy, Ridge, Mason, Glennee, Tia, Anders, Maxtyn, Camryn, Reese, Brittany, and Brooke (Zach); great grandchild, Coleson (which he called Colton); adopted children: John (Heather) Muir and children, Sidora and Everett Payne Muir, Jonni Lynn Thompson and her children LaRissa, Mark, Maegan, and Linus, Jeff (Pam) Zacher, Lisa Zacher, Scott Zacher, Stacey (Ruben) Grajeda, Doug (Nanette) Even, Cyndi (Glenn) Fischer, Ethel Even, and  Butch Engebretson; extended family: Susan (Keith) Smart, Rikki (Kirk) Fast Horse, Galen (Sheyenne) Eberhard, Jennine Dolphus Family, Trini (Chip) Bird Necklace, Harley (Wanda) Gunville, Dawson (LaRae) Gunville, Joyce Gunville Family, Bill (Margret) Gunville, all Gunville families, Dan Keller Family, Kristen Walters, Tiffany Larson, Holly Annis, Audrey (Red) Traversie Family, Jack (Melissa) Neigel, Cody (Paige) Neigel, Robert and Dorothy Short Family, Janice Eberhard, Terry Pearman, Kelsie (Justin) Haskell, and Juli Haskell.

Steve was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Stephanie Sue Payne; his parents, Jerome & Helen Payne: and his sister, Gerry Zacher.

In lieu of gifts, please consider making a donation to Eagle Butte Community Club in Steve’s memory. Donations may be mailed in C/O State Bank of Eagle Butte, PO Box 10, Eagle Butte, SD 57625.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Steve’s arrangements.