Robert Leo "Bob" Payne

1933 - 2015

Payne, Robert "Bob" Leo
Robert Leo Payne (CSM USA Ret) peacefully and quietly passed away Monday, October 26, 2015, at his home in Harlingen, Texas. Bob was born in a small log cabin on the hillside in Little Pine, North Carolina (near Marshall) on January 12, 1933 to Mallie Wade Payne and Frances Faith Fay Payne, as the second of four children. He graduated from Fordson High School in Dearborn, MI on January 24, 1952. In January 1953, he enlisted in the United States Army, 6 months later married the love of his life, Joan Marie Murray, on June 6 subsequently bringing into the world 6 children. He and his family toured the world together, visiting, serving, or living in 17 countries from Europe to Asia, and at least 30 states. In January of 1979, he retired from the Army as a Command Sergeant Major, and instructed JROTC at both West and Central High School in Phoenix, Arizona. Bob retired from teaching after 10 years. He and Joan then relocated to live their dream of rural homesteading. They lived happily outside Snowflake, Arizona, until Joan's passing in February, 2012. Bob then moved to South Carolina, and in June 2015 he relocated to Texas. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Joan and their infant daughter, Laurie. He is survived by three sons, Robert (Susan) of Bluffton, S.C. Michael (Dawn) of Clyde, Tx. and Keith (Belia) of Harlingen, Tx; two daughters Cherie Lujano (John) of Susanville, Ca. and Catherine of Georgetown, Tx; and his adopted children Brian and Tina Olson of Co. and Laurel Parguey of Phoenix, AZ. He leaves behind 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren as well as his siblings, Jean (Knight) Garden City, Mi., Faye (Kline) Ft. Wayne, In. and Wade Payne of Boulder, Co. A Celebration of Life will be held at Hansen Mortuary located at 6500 E Bell Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85254 December 11, 2015 at 1:30 with reception to follow. Deacon Ray Melcher of Our Lady of the Snow Catholic Church officiating. Arrangements by Hansen Mortuary (480) 991-5800 Contributions may be made to the Fisher House (http://www.fisherhouse.org) in Bob's honor.