Gordon & Sharon Payne

Gordon and Sharon (Neidt) Payne, longtime residents of Whitehall will be laid to rest in the Payne family plot of the Whitehall Cemetery on August 6th around 10:30 in the morning. Gordon passed away in November 2019, and Sharon followed in December of 2020.

Gordon, an Aeronautical Engineer had a long career with NASA, actually starting at Edwards AFB before NASA had even begun. He went on to become the head engineer on the SR-71 Blackbird, X-29A, and lifting body programs. Sharon, originally from Wisdom, MT, raised both their children in nearby Tehachapi.

Gordon and Sharon moved back to Montana and lived in Ennis for a time while Gordon finished up his career. Ultimately spending their retirement years living on Pipestone Pass.

They are survived by their two children Sandra Davis and Shawn Payne, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.