John Vandaveer Payne, MD

  John Vandaveer Payne, MD, a beloved pediatrician, civil servant, and storyteller passed away August 19, 2024. He leaves behind his wife Cheryl Caruso Payne and his two children, Kennett and Deborah Payne, raised with deceased spouse, Marlene Payne.

  Born in Corsicana, TX, October 22, 1939, Dr. Payne grew up in Kentucky and attended Hazel Green Academy, Berea College, the University of Kentucky Medical School, and Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. Following a term with the US Public Health Service as a physician for Peace Corps Volunteers in Malaysia, he eventually returned to his native Kentucky to a career in pediatrics. Working both for the state and in private practice he helped calm the fears and raise the health of thousands of children and their families.

  Dr. Payne was steeped in the precepts of his faith, particularly in the social gospel promoting the care of one another, helping one’s neighbor and anyone less fortunate. He dedicated his life to global health, making more than a dozen trips providing care in Nigeria, Ethiopia, Liberia, Sri Lanka, Uganda, and several Central American countries.

  A memorial service for Dr. Payne will be held 3 p.m., Sunday, September 1st at Union Church in Berea.