Frank W. Payne

Frank William Payne, age 103, completed his earth-bound journey on February 16, 2026, after a life filled with love for family, friends, the power of music, and our Heavenly Father.

Frank was born on March 14, 1922, in Allensville, KY, to the late William McMillan and Eunice (nee Snorden) Payne. He was the oldest of three children.

Frank’s formative years were spent in Covington, KY. Here he attended school, made life-long friendships, and discovered his first true love, music. Frank began taking piano lessons at six years old after constantly asking his parents to make the player piano in their home “make muuuusic.” By age 12 he was playing for various local churches and at 14 he assembled his first group, “The Four Tones”.

When Frank lost his mother at 16, he realized time was of the essence and began forging full speed ahead. He graduated from William Grant High School (WGHS), Covington, KY in 1939 while attending music schools in Covington and Cincinnati. After graduation, he attended Fisk University in Nashville, TN. His studies were interrupted by World War II, and he left to proudly serve his country. He was drafted into the United States Army (1942 – 1943). During his service he entertained the troops by playing in the band and orchestra, performing live USO radio concerts, and recording personalized records for soldiers to send back home to loved ones.

After returning home, he continued studying music, became the musical director at First Baptist Church of Covington, and formed several bands and gospel choirs. By the late 1940s, his most successful band, The Frankie Payne Trio, was playing numerous local venues on a regular basis including jazz clubs, hotels, and private affairs. In the early 1950’s, the trio secured a 14 week, 30-minute, live television show on WLWT and a weekly Sunday morning radio broadcast on WZIP. Over his musical career, he recorded with Lonnie Johnson (King Records) and played with such greats as Duke Elllington, Rosemary Clooney, Ben Webster, Sonny Greer, Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, and Frank Foster.

Although music was always his passion, Frank also followed a career in criminal justice. In 1954, after moving to Cincinnati, OH, he was hired as Deputy Clerk for the United States Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit. While working, he studied legal research, legal methods and legislation, and library science at the University of Cincinnati.

In 1969, he was appointed Chief Librarian, responsible for the main library and five satellite locations. Judges and attorneys held him in high regard for his work ethic and his expert knowledge of the law. When he retired, in 1984, he remained the first and only African American in the United States to hold this position.

1969 was a big year for Frank, during which, he also married his soul mate and best friend Anna Louise (nee Gibson). Together they formed a blended family blessed with two children, Sandra (nee Payne) and Glenn Childress, Sr. Their devotion to each other for over 52 years exemplified how true love, commitment, friendship, and putting God at the helm are the ingredients for a successful marriage. He held her in deep regard until his final day.

Frank had an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. He began his Christian journey in Covington at Lane Chapel and First Baptist Church. He completed this journey at First Baptist Church of Kennedy Heights. His church family meant the world to him.

Frank was a no-nonsense man who lived a life of harmony, order, and communion with his fellow man. He will be deeply missed; however, we take great solace in the fullness of his 103 years. He was an avid bowler, bridge player, world traveler, and sports enthusiast. His love for music never faltered; he continued playing until age 101, when his hands would no longer cooperate.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Dorothy Finnell; his brother John; his daughter Sondra Augustine and his wife Anna Louise.

He is survived by: his son, Glenn Childress, Sr. (E. Kathy); two grandchildren, Glenn Childress, Jr. (Toshia) and Mia Dunford; three step-grandchildren, Yolanda, Kim , and Angelina Augustine; three great-grandchildren, Kailani and Naomi Childress, and Farrah Dunford; four nephews, Duane, Damon, Derek, and Drecc Finnell; three nieces, Delece, Denise, and Dawn Finnell; special family/friends, Mildred Gibson, Reginald Fields (Georgianna), Errol Edwards; Lorenzo Coleman, Roberta Crutchfield, Barbra Belcher, Sandy Long, Otis Davis, Ed Lewis (Gail), Steve Gallager, and Wesley Maxie; and a host of family and friends.

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