Joseph “Ralph” Payne, MD, a resident of the Rockhill neighborhood for 43 years, died May 24, 2017. The son of Joseph and Cleo Payne, he was born in Boulder, CO in 1940. His family moved to Prairie Village, KS in 1947. He graduated from Shawnee Mission High School, received a Zoology degree from University of Kansas where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He received a medical degree from University of Kansas School of Medicine. After three years in the Indian Health Service in Schurz, NV, he practiced at Kaiser Hospital in Sacramento, CA.

Ralph returned to Kansas City in 1976 as Director of Outpatient Services at Trinity Lutheran Hospital and provided support to the Rose Brooks Center. He was Director of Emergency Services at Providence Medical Center and was active with the Wyandotte County Medical Society and served as President of Providence Medical Society. He retired in 2013.

His love for the outdoors began through the Boy Scouts where he became an Eagle Scout. During summers as a young adult, he was on staff at Philmont Scout Ranch and Charles L. Sommers Canoe Base in Ely, MN guiding canoe trips. His love and support for wildlife, outdoors, and natural resources was life long. He loved drawing/sketching, woodworking and being with his family.

Ralph is survived by his wife Joy, the love of his life; his children: Analisa, Quinci, Joal and Jeremy; his grandchildren: Keegan, Quinn, Kenna, Loni, Parker and Zachary; his brother Don Payne and sister Kathel Hastings along with numerous nieces and nephews.

The hole in our hearts is immense yet it’s being filled by the loving sentiments coming in from those who knew and loved him. His grand stature was only eclipsed by his large laugh, big hugs and huge heart. Ralph, Dad, Pappy, Uncle Ralph, you will be deeply missed.

A celebration of life will be at a later date.