Allen Payne Obituary

Allen Richard Payne

Feb 4, 1939 - Aug 28, 2023

Baltimore, MD

Lt Col. Allen Payne passed away Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, at Loch Raven Veterans Administration Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.

Lt. Col. Payne served in U.S. Air Force as Systems Officer on the SR71, known as "Blackbird." This aircraft flew long-range, high-altitude, Mach 3+ strategic reconnaissance flights at 80,000 feet. Lt. Col. Payne wore a Gemini Space Suit on these flights. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service. Earlier in his Air Force career, Lt. Col. Payne served as a navigator on the B52 bomber flying out of Grand Forks, North Dakota. During the Cold War, Air Force planes regularly flew toward Russia out of North Forks armed with an Atom Bomb. The purpose of these flights was to deter Russia from military engagement with the USA.

Lt. Col. Payne was divorced and had no children.

He is survived by his brother, Norman; and two sisters-in-law, Patricia Payne, wife of Norman, and Edith Payne, widow of Raymond Payne.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Raymond and James; and sister, Marion.

Burial will take place 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 23, 2023, at the family plot at Sandusky Oakland Cemetery.