Joe Payne

The San Gabriel Valley Tribune, 4/18/2008.

In Loving Memory of JOE PAYNE Dec. 30, 1925 - Jan. 22, 2007.

Beloved husband of Shirley June Payne for 31 years. Joe grew up in the Orange Groves of Covina, CA. After high school and a two year stint in the Army, he pursued his love and talent for pitching and spent five years with various professional baseball organizations from 1947 to 1952.

Joe studied education at La Verne College in the off-season and pursued the teaching field after his baseball career ended due to a recurring back injury.

Joe was also very active in student athletics working for the Los Angeles Parks & Rec and Covina Parks & Rec for many years. Ultimately Joe became Dean of Adult Education at Mt. San Antonio College, retiring to Pebble Beach, CA in the early 1980's.

Joe is survived by his wife Shirley, four step-sons: John, Peter, Bob and Karl Spurzem and their families, including 11 grandchildren.

For those who are interested, The Joe C. Payne Memorial Student-Athlete Scholarship Fund has been established to be completed in May of this year.

Donations can be sent to: Covina High School, ASB Office, 463 S. Hollenbeck Ave., Covina, CA 91723 (tel#626-974-6010).