Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Philip “Phil” Roger Payne, 94, of North Webster, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was the beloved husband to Eve, and was a father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Phil was born on May 4, 1932, in Warsaw, to Chester and Hannah Payne. He was a 1950 graduate of North Webster High School and served as a U.S Marine corporal in the Korean War. He was the owner of Metcalf and Payne Plumbing, Heating and Cooling for 40 years which is now Metcalf, Payne and Bell. The business he built is celebrating 70 years in business.
Phil lived by the guiding principles of service, commitment, integrity and love for his family and community. Phil was a lifetime resident of the North Webster area. He was a former volunteer fireman and volunteer EMT for North Webster. He served as a Wawasee School Board member for 14 years and signed all four of his children’s high school diplomas. He was a lifetime member of the North Webster United Methodist Church, American Legion Post 253, F & A Masonic Lodge 705 in Cromwell, Scottish Rite in Fort Wayne & Mizpah Shriners in Fort Wayne. He was a former member and past president of the Lions Club in North Webster, former board member of Tippecanoe Township Advisory Board, a volunteer driver for the Shriners going to the Chicago and Cincinnati Shriners Hospitals, which became near and dear to his heart.
Phil was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, David and James “Jim”; and his beloved wife of 63 years, Evalee “Eve.” He is survived by his four children: Steve, Susan (Paul) Gilchrist and Sherry (Tom) Figura, both of Indianapolis; and Sandy (Justin) Apotheker, of Denver, Colo. He is survived by 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Phil's Life Celebration visitation will be held on Saturday, June 6 from 10 a.m. to noon at Titus Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 8056 East 500 North, North Webster. His service will begin at noon with Pastor Andy Martin officiating.
In lieu of flowers, Phil requested donations be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children.
To leave a condolence, please visit: www.TitusFuneralHome.com.
