Clyde Payne, 82, of Lejunior, departed this life on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at his home.  Born December 3, 1943 in Evarts, he was a lifelong resident of the Clover Fork area.  Clyde was a former Constable for District 2, a former City of Evarts Police officer, a Kentucky Colonel, and a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve.  Clyde worked as a coal miner for many years at various mines in Harlan County, including Jericol Mining Co. and Terry Glen Coal Co. He enjoyed fishing and hunting ginseng.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Tom Payne and Belle Middleton Payne; a sister, Jean Payne; and a great-grandson, Braydon Brent Payne.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Linda Caroline Adams Payne, Lejunior; five sons, Anthony "Tony" Clyde Payne and wife, Melissa, Lejunior; Lee Matthew Payne and wife, Clara, Lejunior; John Alex "EL" Payne and wife, Paula,  Dartmont; Thomas Brent Payne and wife, Debbie, Lejunior; and Christopher "Chris" Larry Payne and wife, April, Lejunior.  Also surviving are 18 grandchildren, A.J. and Emily Payne; Brandon, Joshua and Erik Payne; Tasha, Brittaney, Little John, Thomas, Haley and Kaylee Payne; Kenneth Blair; Brad Kelly; Linda, Sabrina, Tommie, Allie and Amy Payne; 16 great-grandchildren, Caleb, Andy and Ethan Payne; Leland Brock; Tatum, Jaxon and Quiten Payne; Dustin Jones; Kylee Cottrell; Noble Payne; Kendele and Khloe Payne; Jeanetta Thompson; Aiden Payne; Ryleah Thompson; and Adelyn Roberts; a great-great-great-granddaughter due in March; a host of nieces and nephews, including special nieces, Leslie "Karrolene" Bennett and Bobbie Ogden; a special nephew, Jeff White; and his special nurses that took such good care of him, Shilah Evans and Tiffany Gray.

Clyde's visitation will be Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the Evarts Funeral Home beginning at 1 pm with funeral services to follow at 3 pm.  The Reverend Lloyd Ray Burkhart and the Reverend James Raider will officiate.

Burial will follow in the Evarts Memorial Gardens with his family and friends serving as pallbearers. Military rites will be performed by the Harlan Honor Guard.

Evarts Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Clyde Payne.