Cyril Marquette Payne Jr., known as “Marque,” 73 of Utica, passed away February 18, 2025, at Owensboro Regional Hospital. Born April 30, 1951, to the late Cyril Marquette Payne Sr. and Martha “Helen” (Clements) Payne, he grew up enjoying time with siblings and cousins. A passionate fan of Rock ‘n’ Roll—especially The Beatles—Marque wrote his first song, “Our Town,” at 14, a duet with his sister, Martha. After attending local schools and St. Francis Seminary in Cincinnati, he hitchhiked around California post-high school. He later returned to Owensboro, studied creative writing at Brescia University, and excelled in computer programming at Owensboro Community College. He married Alice “Faye” Hutchins-Payne, with whom he had four children over their 20-year marriage. A devoted family man, he adored his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His career included roles at his father Cyril’s furniture store and later, Whitehall Furniture—where he rose from factory floor to Information Systems Manager—and as an Independent Business Consultant and Computer Programmer. Marque won a songwriting competition with his song “Hello, Glad To Meet Ya,” performed with his sister, Jacinta. He remained active in music, theater, and the Open Door Fellowship Unitarian Universalist of Owensboro.
He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his infant sister, Theresa. He is survived by his children, Nathan (Melissa) Payne, Codi (Neil) Roberts, Casey Payne, and James (Sarah) Payne; siblings, Martha Payne, Robbie Payne, Rose (Greg) Dues, Julie (David) Renshaw, and Jacinta Merimee; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on February 26, 2025, at Theater Workshop of Owensboro, 407 W. 5th St., Owensboro, KY 42301.
Care entrusted to Cardinal Cremation Society.