SGIG Thomas Payne was born in Lubbock, Texas on December 29th, 1944. His parents were Eugene and Catherine Payne. He graduated from Plains High School, Plains, Texas in 1963. He then attended New Mexico State University graduating with a degree in Agricultural Economics, in 1968. In 1966 while attending NMSU he married Kay York of Santa Rosa, NM. They have three sons, two of whom, Glen and David , were raised as Master Masons in Santa Rosa Lodge in January 1995.

Tom served in the New Mexico National Guard from 1968 until his honorable discharge in 1974.

Most Worshipful Tom is lifelong rancher having descended from five generations of ranching families. He is a member of the Methodist church, serving on several boards as well as being Chairman of the Administrative Council. He also served on several local boards and commission , including Chairman of Guadalupe County Planning and Zoning Commission.

Brother Payne was raised a Master Mason in Liberty Lodge # 51, in Santa Rosa on July 11 1968. he served as Master of the Lodge three times 1975, 1976 and in 1983. He also served as Secretary of the Lodge for fifteen years. Tom joined the Santa Fe Scottish Rite Bodies in October, 1980, and the Ballut Abyad Shrine Temple in October 1981. Illustrious Brother Payne is also a member of the Sunshine Chapter, OES, the National Sojourners, the Heroes of "76', and The Royal Order of Scotland.

He served as the District Deptuy Grand Master in District 4 for the Grand Lodge of New Mexico in 1983,and 1984. He was appointed Junior Grand Steward in 1987 and continued through the Grand Lodge line, being installed as Grand Master of Masons in New Mexico in January, 1994. He was appointed Chairman of the Time and Place committee for the Conference of Grand Masters and the Grand Secretaries, and elected to t three year tem on the Board of Trustees of the George Washington Nation Masonic Memorial in February of 1994.

Illustrious Tom was elected the the Knight Commander of the Court of Honor in 1995 and as a 33*, Inspector General Honorary in 2001. In November of 20003 Illustrious Tom E. Payne was appointed Deputy for the Supreme Council in the State of new Mexico, and in 2007 was Elected Sovereign Grand Inspector General for the Orient of New Mexico.

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