Rodney P. Payne, age 82, of Chelsea, MI, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2025, at his home in Dexter Township, surrounded by his family.
Rod was born on April 22, 1943, in Waterbury, CT, the son of Philip and Iris (Guevin) Payne. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1961–1964. On October 11, 1968, he married Mary Kathryn “Kathy” Cashin in Prospect, CT, and they enjoyed nearly 57 years of marriage.
In 1976, Rod and Kathy moved to the Chelsea area, where they raised their two children, Jennifer and Tom. Rod was an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea. He served as an usher for many years and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.
In his younger years, Rod enjoyed coaching his son, Tom, in baseball, fishing, antique cars and over the years he became an avid golfer. Rod was a member of the Inverness Country Club, where he enjoyed golfing and many friendships over the years. He was also involved in the community through the Chelsea Senior Center and the Chelsea Athletic Boosters.
Rod is survived by his beloved wife, Kathy; daughter, Jennifer (Ric Eakin) Franklin of Ann Arbor; son, Tom (Carmen) Payne of Manchester; two grandchildren, Malia (Louis) Wells and Bryson Franklin; and two great-grandchildren, Weston and Azelie Wells. He is also survived by two brothers, Arthur (Pauline) Payne of Stratford, CT, and Joseph Payne of Prospect, CT; and a sister, Martha Payne of Waterbury, CT. He was preceded in death by his sister, Fern Hungerford.
Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, from 5:00–8:00 p.m., with a Rosary and Vigil at 7:00 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating.
Burial will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Chelsea at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action of Chelsea or Hope Clinic in Ypsilanti.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
