PAYNE-RICHARD

Source:  Excerpts from obituary in “THE GOLD SHIELD” published by Naval Criminal Investigative Service Association in July 2017:

Richard Thomas “Dick” Payne was born in Los Angeles, California, but relocated to the Pacific Northwest and attended Oregon State University.  He enlisted in the Navy in 1959 and attended OCS the following year, serving aboard USS ASHTABULA and USS BELLATRIX with a final assignment to the District Intelligence Office, 13^th Naval District, in Seattle, Washington, before his release from active duty in 1964 with the rank of Lieutenant.

Following his release from active duty, Dick was hired as a civilian Special Agent by the District Intelligence Office, 13^th Naval District, and in 1965 attended the Special Agent Basic Course in Washington, D.C.  Between 1966 and 1974, Dick served with NIS in assignments in Oregon and Washington, D.C.  In 1972, Dick transferred to the newly established Defense Investigative Service (DIS) where he served in positions of increased responsibility at the DIS Headquarters, Washington, D.C.; DIS Resident Agency in Eugene, Oregon; and DIS Field Office, Portland, Oregon.  In 1980, Dick was appointed Special Agent-In-Charge, DIS Investigative Field Office, Seattle, where he served for the remainder of his career.

During those years, Dick maintained his affiliation with the Naval Reserve, serving at NIS Offices at Eugene, Portland, Seattle, and NAS Whidbey Island, Washington.  In 1982, Dick retired from the Naval Reserve with the rank of Lieutenant Commander.  He died peacefully in his sleep on January 31, 2017, after a prolonged battle with heart disease, and is survived by his wife of 54-years, two children and two grandchildren.  Those who had the good fortune to know Dick will remember him as a good man, kind and engaging, and proud of his service to our country.

Submitted by CDR Roy A. Mosteller, USNR (Ret)