The following information was sent to clergy and elected diocesan leaders by email.
The Rev. Edward Thomas Payne
1948 – 2026
The Rev. Edward Thomas Payne died Friday, January 30, 2026.
Ed earned his M.Div. from The General Theological Seminary before his ordination to the priesthood in 1998. Ed served a number of congregations during his ministry. In the Diocese of Southern Ohio, he served St. Simon of Cyrene, Lincoln Heights from 1997-2001; St. Mary’s, Waynesville from 2001-2003; Grace, Pomeroy from 2006-2007; St. Paul’s, Chillicothe from 2007-2009; and St. Francis, Springboro from 2010-2015.
A full family obituary is available here.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Christ Episcopal Church in Shaker Heights (Diocese of Ohio).
Please hold his family and friends in your prayers as they grieve and remember his life, especially his wife, Gail; his children, Bran (Melissa), Kevin (Irene), and Sherman (Evelyn); and his grandchildren, Garet, Dru, Kristian, Kevin, Kellen, and Emil.
Funeral Details
A funeral service took place last Saturday, February 7th at Christ Church, Shaker Heights. A livestream recording of the service is available here.
Almighty God, with whom still live the spirits of those who die in the Lord, and with whom the souls of the faithful are in joy and felicity: We give you heartfelt thanks for the good examples of all your servants, who, having finished their course in faith, now find rest and refreshment. May we, with all who have died in the true faith of your holy Name, have perfect fulfillment and bliss in your eternal and everlasting glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. – BCP, pg. 503
