H. Vern Payne

Vern is a native of New Mexico. He was born in Lordsburg, located in the Southwestern corner of the state. His father was an attorney, became Speaker of the House of Representatives for New Mexico, a state District Judge and finally a United States District Judge for the District of New Mexico. Vern came from a family of 12 children. His mother was a saint and was awarded the Mother of the Year Award for New Mexico (probably for putting up with Vern and his 7 brothers)!

Vern attended Brigham Young University for his undergraduate work and the University of New Mexico School of Law and the University of Virginia School of Law for his legal degrees.

Vern’s wife of many years, Yerda, was raised in Idaho, graduated from B.Y.U., spent some time working for a Senator in Washington, D.C. and taught school in Arizona and New Mexico. Vern causes people to gasp when he announces that they have 2 and ½ dozen children and 2 and ½ dozen grandchildren. (The Paynes had two children and then a half dozen more -- thus 2 ½ dozen) for a total of eight. Eight children still causes some people to gasp, but they are not as shocked as when they contemplate a full two and one-half dozen. The Paynes do have 2 ½ dozen (30) grandchildren which causes their home to be a “royal circus” when they gather for family functions.

Vern has been active in civic and church affairs. He has been active politically. He was awarded the Silver Beaver award for his activities in the Boy Scout program. He has spent over 5 years as a missionary for his church including three years service in the Canary Islands of Spain as a Mission President supervising the congregations and missionaries in the islands.

Vern likes good stories about people and places. He is versed in New Mexico history and Southwest history. Vern is fluent in Spanish.

Call him! Get to know him! Exchange tales with him! He will like you and hopes you will like him!

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