of Greenbrier, AR
December 4, 1938 - February 17, 2026
Ira Vernon Payne was born on December 4, 1938 in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico to Ira and Marjorie Payne. He passed away on February 17, 2026. At a very young age, the family moved to Fairbanks, Alaska where Ira was raised and had many adventures. Around the age of 19, Ira's father sent him, his mother and younger brothers to Arkansas to purchase a farm where his dad planned to retire.
The family returned to Alaska, but Ira stayed. Ira Married Artie Lee McNew and together they raised a daughter Mitzi. After Artie Lee's passing and Mitzi's marriage, Ira met and married Mavis Odom, and they spent 43 happy years together. Ira was a man of many talents: he loved farming and ranching; heating, air conditioning and plumbing; and he was a gifted sheet metal worker. He started his own sheet metal, heating, air and plumbing business in 1986.
On a brief trip to Alaska in 1991, Ira was bitten by the flying bug. In no time he became a licensed pilot and bought a plane, then built a hangar and landing strip on his farm. One of the highlights of Ira's life came shortly after retirement when he and his best friend flew Ira's plane to Alaska and spent weeks enjoying friends and nature. He also enjoyed boating on Greers Ferry Lake with his lake friends.
Ira became a Mason in 1991 and quickly rose to the rank of Master Mason, a Scottish Rite Mason and then Worshipful Master of Holland Lodge 158. Ira and Mavis became active in the Order of Eastern Star, where Ira became Worthy Grand Patron in 2005. In addition, Ira was instrumental in setting up the Eastern Star Service Dog Program. Ira enjoyed an active life fully appreciating God's gifts and his many friends.
In lieu of flowers, Ira would certainly appreciate donations to the Eastern Star Service Dog Program.
Ira was predeceased by his father, Ira Payne; his mother, Marjorie Payne Kivlehen and his first wife, Artie Lee Payne. He is survived by his wife, Mavis Payne; daughter, Mitzi Hardy; grandsons, Brian and Benjamin Hardy and 4 great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held on February 28th at 10:00 am in Ira's hangar; all who knew Ira are welcome.
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15 Condolence(s)
Randy Williams
Saturday, February 28, 2026
So sorry for your loss. .
Linda Linneman
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Mavis I am sorry to hear of Ira’s passing. Prayers for you and your family.
Millie Mayhew
Saturday, February 21, 2026
So sorry for your lost Ira was a special man.
Jill & JayP Massiet
Saturday, February 21, 2026
We are praying for you, Mavis and your precious family. Heaven has gained a great man. May you be comforted by all the wonderful memories you’ve created together.
Love you.
Judy Olmstead
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Ira will be missed by many, he’ll always be remembered for his kind and warm heart, his friendly smile, his love for life and his quite but quick humor. I will remember him as a honest and true Friend. May Mavis and his Family be at peace knowing His Loving Soul is in God’s Heavenly Home
Russ and Vicki Allbritton
Friday, February 20, 2026
We were so sad to hear about Ira. He and Pop’s (Will Forsythe) shared such a special friendship through all those years of flying together. I know how much those times meant to them. I believe they’re together again trading stories, laughing, and maybe even “flying” side by side again somewhere beyond us. Thinking of you sending love and prayers during this hard time.
Anna Smith
Friday, February 20, 2026
Ira was very special to OES. He will truly be missed. I will miss seeing him and getting hugs at our meetings. RIP my dear OES Brother!
Laura McNinch
Friday, February 20, 2026
I wii greatly miss seeing Brother at our meetings. Love and prayers for Mavis and the family
Kim Schinkal Mitchusson
Friday, February 20, 2026
Mavis I am so sorry to hear of Ira’s passing. You both were a great comfort when we lost mom and dad. Praying for peace and comfort for you and your family during this difficult time. Hugs!!
Eddie and Pam Cannada
Friday, February 20, 2026
We will truly miss Ira. We considered him a good friend, always had a Hi whenever we saw him. Love and hugs for Mavis and the family.
Jodie Jennings
Friday, February 20, 2026
Ira will truly be missed. Because of his love the for Service Dog Program he brought to Order of the Eastern star of Arkansas many men and women have been able to benefit and Live a better life . We will Definitely miss his smile and kind words. Our prayers are with you, sister Mavis may God wrap his loving arms around you and comfort you through these time.
Barbara Spann
Friday, February 20, 2026
Mavis, I’m just learning of Bro Ira’s passing. I am so sorry as I really thought a lot of him and you too. Prayers are being lifted for you right now. If I can do anything, let me know.
Betty Tovar
Friday, February 20, 2026
Ira was an inspiration to so many. Mavis I know the pain and loneliness you feel. I pray that God will lighten your journey. God bless his soul. Love you Girlfriend!
Elois Ann Kish
Friday, February 20, 2026
Sending love and prayers to you Mavis and all your family
Rose Mary Eckersley
Friday, February 20, 2026
I will certainly miss Brother Ira's smiling face at our Eastern Star functions. My condolences to the family and many prayers for peace during this time.