Denton Payne, 52, of Bluff Dale, Texas, died Tuesday, November 23, 2021.
He was born in Mesa, Arizona on September 1,1969 to Bob Payne and Theresa (Crane) Payne. Denton married his high school sweetheart Dawnie Nichols on March 26, 1994. They have two boys, Brady and Masen Payne, and an adoptive rodeo daughter, Terryn Cooper. Denton was born and raised in Arizona and moved to Bluff Dale, Texas over four years ago. Denton loved the life he and Dawnie created in Texas.
Denton grew up with a rope in his hand. He competed at the junior, high school, college, and pro rodeo level. Denton made the NFR several times in team roping. He loved roping, and especially helping out on friend’s ranches roping wild cattle. One of Dentons greatest qualities was his love of teaching others how to rope. Denton loved kids, helping them whether it be in the arena or on a football field. He was the best dad to his boys, and he loved them dearly. Denton was the kind of friend you wanted in your corner. He loved his family and friends more than anything. His amazing smile and witty personality is going to be missed by so many.
Denton is survived by his wife, Dawnie; sons, Brady and Masen Payne; adoptive daughter, Terryn and her husband Clif Cooper; mother, Theresa Payne Jones; grandfather, Joe and his wife Marilyn Crane; uncle, Jody and Heather Crane; aunt, Trisha and Frank Horton; uncle, Rod and Jan Payne; and numerous cousins.
A celebration of life will be held February 18, 2022, in Casa Grande, Arizona.