Kenneth L. Payne

Kenneth Lynn Payne, of Lansing, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on November 1, 2023.  He was born on April 21, 1952, in Montgomery, Alabama to the union of Nathaniel Payne and Patsy M. Young Payne.

After Kenneth graduated from James Madison High School in Rochester, NY, Class of 1970, he continued his educational studies in Chemistry at Monroe Community College, Class of 1974; Organic Chemistry at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), Class of 1982.  Kenneth completed his graduate studies with a degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science and Engineering from North Dakota State University, Class of 1984.

After graduating with a degree in the chemical engineering field, Kenneth worked for Eastman Kodak Company, 1970-1982; Ciba Geigy Corporation, 1985-1988; Ciba Specialty Chemicals 1989-1997.  He finished his career as a Regional Manager at Huntsman Advanced Materials in East Lansing, Michigan, and retired in 2012.

Kenneth loved all genres of music and was an awesome jazz drummer in several drum and bugle corps in his early years.  He also shared his love of drumming with many young musicians in the Rochester, NY and Lansing, MI area.

Kenneth was predeceased by his parents. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 37 years, Claudien; daughter Keshunda, sons N’Gai CuZan and Arley Jerome “A.J.”; brothers Michael and Timothy; special Aunt Corine; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and numerous friends and neighbors.

There will be a memorial service held 12:30 p.m., Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Mt. Zion All Nations Bible Church, 10575 Krepps Rd., Dewitt, MI 48820.

Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.