David E. Payne
October 6, 1965 - September 14, 2026
David E. Payne, age 60, of Middletown, DE, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Monday, September 14, 2026.
Born in Wilmington, Delaware on October 6, 1965, he was a son of the late Willie Earl and Joyce (Woodard) Payne. David graduated from Middletown High School and Hodgson Vo-Tech in 1983 and continued his education to obtain his journeyman certification as a machinist. He started his career at the DuPont Wilmington Shops. He continued as a machinist at Kraft Heinz in Dover, Delaware where he successfully completed 32 years of dedicated service.
David enjoyed everything outdoors. He enjoyed many trips to West Virginia going ATV riding with his son and close friends. He also enjoyed weekend trips to the surf fishing beach at Cape Henlopen where many cherished memories were made. At home, his yard was his pride and joy, spending countless hours perfecting it. When he became a grandfather, he loved spending time with his grandkids every chance he could.
In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his sister, Elaine Mazanet. He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Elaine Czajkowski Payne; his daughter, Julianne (Sean) Conaway; his son, David Ryan (Courtney) Payne, and his grandchildren Owen and Austin Conaway and Reese and Grady Payne. He is also survived by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ron and Marcia Czajkowski, his sister-in-law and brother-in law, Marybeth and Steve Cannon, along with his nieces, a nephew and several cousins. He loved his family deeply and they were the center of his universe.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9 am until 11 am on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 East Main Street, Middletown, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 11 am. Interment will follow in Hickory Grove Cemetery, 378 Port Penn Road, Middletown, DE 19709.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in David’s memory to further research efforts for Corticobasal Degeneration. To donate, to the PSPCBD foundation, please click here.
Theresa J Payne Johnson
Oh dear cousins, we are so sorry for y’all {& us} to have to give up David but we know he’s not suffering anymore & ultimately healed now & w/so many loved ones gone on before him. We love y’all tremendously & have y’all in our prayers here in east TN. I know my Daddy was excited to see him again. Wish we could be there w/y’all during this incredibly difficult time. May God wrap y’all up in His arms surrounding each of you w/His perfect peace that surpasses all understanding & w/His comfort, strength, courage, mercy, grace & love; keep the faith & trust in God, leaning on Him & He’ll lead & guide ya during this horrible time & the days, weeks, months & years to come. God bless each & every one of you.
Sharon E. Rose Holmes
Elaine, I am so very sorry for the loss of your beloved David. Reading about his life, it is so clear how deeply he loved you, your children, and your beautiful grandchildren, and how very much his family meant to him.
Please know that I am holding you and your entire family close in my heart and in my prayers during this incredibly difficult time. May the love you shared over 37 years, and the many wonderful memories you created together, bring you comfort and strength in the days ahead.
With love and deepest sympathy,
Sharon E. Rose Holmes
Samantha Marando
Elaine, I am so sorry for your loss. I pray that you and your family are able to get through this difficult time.
Patricia Reinbold
Dear Elaine and Family: I am so very sorry to read about your husband. He sounded like an amazing husband and father. I wish I knew the right words to bring you comfort. You and your family will be in my prayers. 🙏
Kathy Kosek
David, you will be missed & always loved. I promise to wrap your loved ones in love & prayer. May the peace of Christ which surpasses all understanding be with us all.
Denise Stroupe and Wilma Overstreet
Elaine, kids, and grandchildren, I am at a loss for words. I was so upset when I heard about David and I am so sorry for you all. Aunt Wilma is so grateful for you calling her when he came home and getting to speak to him a few minutes. She will always remember that day. David I love you cuz. Give Aunt Sis, Uncle Earl and Elaine hugs from me. Elaine and kids I love you all and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Debbie Hughes
I’m so sorry and I’m thinking of all of you. He lived a fun life and really enjoyed his family ❤️. I have so many memories growing up with Elaine and David. I was a third wheel on so many of their dates🤣. He would say I have my bud and my babe with me!🤣. We were 4 days apart and when we turned 21 Elaine, David and I went to several liquor stores hoping to get carded! We were disappointed that we didn’t 🤣🤣. So many laughs❤️. He truly loved his family and I know he will be watching over all of you 🙏🏻❤️. Love and prayers to all of you
David Mangino
We are very sorry for your loss and am here for you always. We love you and in our thoughts and prayers
Dave trish and Millie
Louis Buckbinder
Our deepest sympathies & Prayers to you Elaine for your loss. Our hearts go out to you.
Lou & Karen Buckbinder