Allen Arthur Payne

Allen Arthur Payne
16 June 1943 - 5 March 2016

Allen Arthur Payne was born in Belmond, Iowa, on 16 June 1943, the son of James W. Payne and Anna Margaret (nee, Cleveland) Payne. With his brother, Loren, Allen grew up in Iowa farm country, attending a country school--Pleasant #8--through 4th grade and then going on to Belmond Community School. During these years, Allen was active in 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA), and with many of his contemporaries, looked forward to life as a farmer in the rural country.

After graduating high school in 1961, Allen worked with his father on the family farm, and then went into partnership with his father and brother. Having grown up together on the farm, Allen and Loren were used to the long hours and took to the hard work of a modern farm.

On 4 April 1964, Allen married Marilyn Beavers, at St. Francis Xavier Church, in Belmond. Though he had been raised Lutheran, and confirmed in the Lutheran Church, Allen became Catholic during his marriage to Marilyn, when they moved to rural Thornton, Iowa, and continued to farm. Though they later divorced, Allen always spoke fondly of Marilyn, and remained strongly committed to the Catholic community to which she introduced him.

In 1991, after 30 years on the farm, Allen left Iowa for Seattle, and in 1994 began Spinsters record store on Capital Hill. Spinsters became an institution in the neighborhood, and many devotees remember Allen's expertise, especially in classical music. Though he always kept in touch with his brother and family, for whom he had great love, Allen took to life in Seattle. While different from his life on the farm, Spinsters was an important experience for Allen, and he treasured his years as a shopkeeper--indeed, he kept the main desk and much of the furnishings in his home, even until his death. But, as times changed, Allen decided to close the store, though still service some customers from his house, and moved into retirement.

Throughout his time in Seattle, and especially in his last years, Allen became a wonderful presence to many people. Devoted to his faith, he would walk from Madison Park to daily Mass at St. Joseph or the Cathedral. His long, thin form, always dressed in white and wearing his signature black, flat-brimmed hat, could be seen walking along Broadway or up 24th Avenue. And when he saw someone he knew, or someone who knew him, his smile would broaden, and with gentleness and great dignity, he would greet them and offer some word of kindness. Though he was naturally reserved and formal, Allen had a strong will and a clear sense of his values and his faith. Even to the last days of his life, his greatest joy was union with Jesus through prayer and the Sacraments of the Catholic Church.

Allen died, peacefully, in his home in Madison Park, with friends beside him. He had struggled with cancer for a number of years, and yet remained strong and vital to the end.

He is survived by his beloved brother, Loren Payne and Loren's wife, Marianne. He is also survived by Loren and Marianne's children, Lonnie Payne and LeAnn Payne Tindall (Dan). Allen had a special affection for LeAnn and Dan's children--Zachary, Kayla, and Danika--who live in Akron, Iowa. He is, finally, survived by many Seattle friends, who will miss him very much.

Condolences can be offered to Allen's family at 1323 Schmalle Circle, Belmond, IA, 50421.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for Allen on Friday, 18 March 18th, at 4:00 PM, at
St. Joseph Catholic Church.
732 18th Ave E, Seattle 98112

Hoffner Fisher & Harvey
Guest book at harveyfuneral.com

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