Joshua Warren Payne

Joshua Warren Payne, 45, of Topeka, passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at Select Specialty Hospital, in Kansas City, Kansas.

He was born January 16, 1979, in Morris, Illinois, to Andy Russell Payne and Pamela Adele Male. Joshua attended Poudre High School in Ft. Collins, Colorado.

Joshua worked as an independent contractor in the trucking industry, and enjoyed helping the community during COVID by bringing food and groceries to Doordash and Instacart customers.

Joshua was an outdoorsman at heart, finding joy in stream fishing, camping, climbing rock walls, and cooking over a campfire. He had a natural talent for riding and breaking bucking horses, embracing the rugged lifestyle he loved so much. Music was a significant part of his life, and he was incredibly proud of his nephew, who taught himself to play the guitar, wrote his own songs, and made a name for himself in the music world. Joshua, without a doubt, was his number one fan, listening to Shovelin Stone’s songs daily. Along with this, he enjoyed folk music and old anointed gospel songs, especially those about the blood of Jesus, he spent days learning to play harmonica and he would get so excited when he could get his lungs to agree with him and complete a whole song.

Joshua’s faith was a core aspect of who he was. As a member of Light of the World Christian Church in Topeka, KS, he had a passionate love for Jesus, and his deepest desire was to one day sit at the feet of his Savior and hear the words, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." His way of sharing the gospel was unconventional; he would sit with those often considered lost, drinking and getting high to meet people where they were. But even in those moments, Joshua’s heart was centered on the Lord, being a witness to everyone around him.

In 2019, alongside his wife Charity, Joshua began an online ministry called "Power of the Cross Ministries." This ministry later merged with a BMX team of kids who rode bikes, winning numerous trophies for Jesus. They even participated in two seasons at the Grand Nationals in Oklahoma, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those they encountered.

Joshua married Charity Anne Brees on January 30, 2006, in Topeka, Kansas. She survives of the home.

Preceded in death by his dad (Andy Russell Payne) and Mom (Pamela Adele Male).

Other survivors include his children, Caleb Payne and Faya Payne both of Topeka; a brother, Randy Payne (Karen) of Laporte, Colorado; sister, Tammy Payne (Beau) of Tulsa, Oklahoma; nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews, and close friends that he considered second parents, David and JoAnn Schneider.

Cremation has taken place, his wife Charity and children are holding a celebration of his life at the Pizza Parlor on September 27th, 2024 from 5:30-8:30pm. All family and friends of Joshua Payne are welcome to attend. 

Joshua's wife Charity would love to collect as many photos or videos of Joshua as possible, if you have any to contribute, please upload them with the following link! Thank you. 
https://photobucket.com/invite/c613d5d5-0e8d-448c-872f-eb90323223d5

Memorial contributions are suggested to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave. Topeka, KS 66603, to help with the unexpected funeral arrangements.