Wilford "Bill" Paynter

View Bill's Tribute Video

Wilford “Bill” Paynter, 98, of Highmore, passed away Wednesday, November 27, 2019 at the Avera Hand County Memorial Hospital in Miller.

Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at Luze Funeral Home, Highmore with Father David Axtmann, officiating. Burial will follow at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 3, 2019 with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, all at the funeral home.

Everyone is invited for lunch and fellowship at St. Teresa’s Hall following burial.

Wilford “Bill” Grant Paynter was born March 16, 1921 to William Grant and Maude Matteson Paynter in Plankinton, South Dakota. He and his older brothers dubbed their farm Paynter’s Palatial Pig Palace as they did their hog chores.

Bill grew up during the Great Depression which left a lasting effect on him. He was conservative and resourceful due to this. He always believed in working hard no matter what the job and doing that job to the best of one’s ability in which several of his grandchildren learned when they mowed Grandpa’s lawn.

Bill graduated from Plankinton High School and then went on to further his education, finally graduating from South Dakota State University in 1949 as his education took a hiatus while he served in the Army during WWII, serving as a mechanic on aircraft in the Pacific. While at State, Bill played football for the Jackrabbits, often commenting to his family how his work ethic made him an asset to the team.

Bill was united in marriage to Priscilla Newell on June 21, 1943 in the Air Force Chapel in Eagle Pass, Texas prior to his deployment overseas. To this union, three children were born, Connie, Jim and Richard.

Bill and his growing family moved to Highmore in 1950 where he began an over 30 year career with the Extension Service serving as the Hyde County Extension Agent then later a supervisor for 17 counties in the North Central area. Bill earned many honors during his career and touched the lives of many youths through his involvement with the 4-H program. Bill worked tirelessly to promote the planting of trees in Hyde County. He also served as the Hyde County Veteran Service officer for over 20 years.

Bill’s retirement years found him and Priscilla helping at his son’s hardware store, Paynter’s Hardware, where he shared his many talents and skills as he helped his customers whether it be how to plant grass or finding the right tool to finish a project. Bill was known for his building skills as well as he built many items for family members including his son Richard’s home. Bill could also be found out in his yard and garden making it beautiful for all to see. Bill passed his love of outdoors on to those that shared his passion. Goose hunting was a favorite of his followed by pheasant hunting. Bill spent the last several years helping Richard deliver the south Hyde mail route.

Bill witnessed many changes throughout his lifetime. He was always fascinated by the technology advancements and how quick we could find information. Bill was active in the American Legion, served as a bank director for First State Bank, Highmore, and various extension clubs as well as involved in many community events. Bill enjoyed many good dogs throughout his life and loved having his grand and great grandkids nearby to share his wisdom, stories and skills on to the next generations.

Bill is survived by his children: Connie (Ken) Brueggeman, Highmore, Jim (Susie) Paynter, Mantorville, MN, and Richard (Shelly) Paynter, Highmore; grandchildren: Billy Brueggeman, Pat (Kristin) Brueggeman, Carrie (Jim) Stephenson, Jestine & Elle Paynter, Remington Paynter; step-granddaughter, Brittnee (Al) Bawek; great-grandchildren: Austin, Brennen, Collin, Aiden and Sophia Brueggeman, Carson and Carly Stephenson, a step-great granddaughter, Miranda Rockwood and step-great grandson, Brewer Bawek and several nieces and nephews.

Welcoming Bill home is his beloved wife, Priscilla; his parents; father and mother-in law: Lee and Katherine Newell; an infant sister, Evelyn Rae; infant brother, Kenneth; his brothers: E. Laverne and Wilbur H (Mike); brothers and sisters-in-law; and granddaughter in law, Heidi Brueggeman.

Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Bill’s arrangements.