BATH — Nelson E. Payne, 94, a longtime resident of Bath, died Sept. 12 at Hodgdon Green, in Damariscotta, where he had lived for the past four years.

He was born July 10, 1921, in East Waldoboro, a son of Emory and Susie (Pitcher) Payne. He attended Bath and Whitefield schools.

He married Ione Jipson, of Lincoln, on Nov. 9, 1953, and they made their home in Bath.

In his younger years, Payne worked as a woodsman with his father, driving teams of horses. He later was employed by a construction company as a truck driver, and operated his own landscaping business.

In retirement, Payne became a familiar figure around Bath, as he enjoyed his daily walks, chatting with people he met along the way. He also had a passion for trains, and took great delight in riding the Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad Co.

After moving to Hodgdon Green, Payne continued his daily walks and made many friends in Damariscotta. He particularly enjoyed joining Round Top Ice Cream driver Gary Woodcock on his routes through Lincoln County.

Payne joined the First Baptist Church in Bath in 1986, and served as an active member on church projects for many years.

He was predeceased by his wife, in 1967; a daughter, Susan Payne; four sisters, Gladys, Eva, Mildred and Esther; and a brother, Maxwell.

He is survived by five daughters, Sandra Ashcroft, of Augusta, Maryann Squillace, of Woolwich, Emily Ashton, of Wiscasset, Wanda Thomas, of Damariscotta, and Donna Morse, of Phippsburg; a son, Dana Jipson, of Lincolnville; several grand- and great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral was held Sept. 17 at David E. Desmond & Son Funeral Home, in Bath, with the Rev. Stephen Rowe officiating. Burial followed at the family plot in Alna Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to one’s favorite charity.

Payne