Edward Stephen "Steve" Payne, 81, of Bargersville, IN passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Community Hospital South in Indianapolis, IN.

He was born April 20, 1945 in Indianapolis, IN to Edward Berton Payne and Mary Jane (Long) Payne Byers.  Steve married Donna Joy (Slof) Payne August 26, 1965 in Indianapolis, IN; she preceded him in death on May 22, 2008.

Steve was a graduate of Emmerich Manual High School in Indianapolis.

He had been a journeymen electrician for the IBEW #481 in Indianapolis for 34 years retiring in 2002.

Steve was a 50 years member of the IBEW #481.

He enjoyed golfing, traveling, studying science, adventure and gardening.  Steve never met a stranger.

Survivors include his son Edward Ryan Payne of Indianapolis, IN, his daughter Stephanie Leigh Thompson and her husband Steven Thompson of Murrells Inlet, SC, grandsons Maxwell Thompson and Mitchell Thompson both of Murrells Inlet, SC, and his companion Karen (Henderson) Brummett of Franklin, IN.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and a brother John Michael Payne.

Pastor Mark Woodard will conduct a service on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 2PM at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN and will be live-streamed at www.swartzmortuary.com/obituary/edwardpayne.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 from 5PM until 8PM at the mortuary.

Burial will be in Rest Haven Cemetery in Edinburgh, IN.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information 317-738-0202.