Former Elmhurst Police Chief William Payne Dies at 103

William T. “Bill” Payne, who served as Elmhurst’s chief of police from 1968 through 1978, died at Lexington Square of Elmhurst on June 18. He was 103.

Payne was born and raised on Chicago’s Northwest Side in the Montclare neighborhood. He was a 1929 graduate of St. Ignatius High School. As a child of the depression, Payne’s early years were full of second and third jobs surrounded by club basketball, football and acting in local plays.

He was a captain on the Chicago Police force until his retirement in 1968, when he became chief of the Elmhurst Police Department, a position he served until 1978.

Following his retirement, Payne’s pursuits turned to golf and bowling with his grandchildren.

"He was still a policeman at heart," Elmhurst Police Michael Ruth told My Suburban Life, who would occasionally visit Payne for lunch along with other Elmhurst chiefs.

Payne was the beloved husband of the late Ardele, nee Beberger, for over 74 years; loving father of Tom (Jean) and the late William J (Joan Ward); proud grandfather of Tom and Dave (Tina) and great-grandfather of Jack and Ford; dear brother of the late Vernyle (Dan) Stone and Marion (Phillip) Campbell; fond uncle of Lynn (Lennart) Barkinge, Craig (Jo) Campbell, William (Bonnie) Stone and Terry Stone; cherished son of the late Jule, nee Botheroyd and the late Joseph.

Visitation is set Tuesday, June 24, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Gibbons Funeral Home at 134 South York Road, (half-mile north of St. Charles Road ), Elmhurst. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:45 a.m at Visitation Catholic Church at 779 York St., Elmhurst. Interment is private. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Bill’s name to Elmhurst Police Benevolent Association (EPBAA), 125 East First Street, Elmhurst, IL. 60126.

For funeral information please call 630-832-0018 or visit Gibbons Funeral Home.