Robert Warren Payne

Robert Warren Payne went to be with the Lord in the early morning hours of Nov. 24, 2005, at the age of 86.

To the casual observer, his life reads like the American dream. He had a wife, children, dog, house and a good job. After seven years of active duty in the U.S. Coast Guard and Navy, he went to work as an electronics technician at Ames Aeronautical Laboratory, Moffett Field, Sunnyvale, Calif. After 37 years of service and numerous commendations and awards, including the Navy's second-highest honorary award for civilians, the Meritorious Civilian Service Award, he retired as electronics integrated systems mechanic foreman at Point Mugu.

A rich life indeed to remember, with many accomplishments to hang on the wall.

To those of us who knew him, however, the life of Robert Warren Payne reads much deeper.

In a society where parent has been replaced by "I," this father of three sold his car and hitched a ride to work for two years so that his daughter might receive specialized and necessary medical treatment at a facility a state away.

In a society where husband or wife has been replaced by "I," this husband spent 61 years opening every door, front, back, side, or car. If his beloved was coming or going, exiting or entering, he was there to usher her forth.

In a society where class has been replaced by "I," this man wore a suit and tie to purchase milk from the corner market.

In a society where community has been replaced by "I," this man logged more than 20 years of service with the Oxnard High School Booster Club, although he had no ties to its sports teams.

These are just a few of the highlights that those of us who knew him would like others to recognize and even contemplate. Assuredly, Robert Warren Payne left a countless number of shirts off his back with strangers and neighbors, friends and family alike.

His great-grandchildren; grandchildren; three daughters, Diane (husband Al), Janis (husband Marlow) and Roberta (husband Dan); and his beloved wife, Gladys, are all deeply saddened by his passing, and yet are equally appreciative of the human life he lived among us. That he passed away on Thanksgiving, a day defined by the same characteristics that he embodied, reads only too well.

Visitation will take place from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at James A. Reardon-Payton Mortuary Chapel. Interment will follow at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, Ventura.

Memorial donations can be made to Pro Care Medical Hospice, 1700 N. Lombard St., Oxnard, CA 93033.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of James A. Reardon-Payton Mortuary, 511 North A St., Oxnard, phone 1-805-483-2233.