A good name is more desirable than great riches. Proverbs 22:1

Bob Payne has a good name.  This patient, kind, quiet and gentle man was loved by all. His love language was acts of service.  In high school he was quite the basketball player.  His pastimes were hunting, golfing and watching the St. Louis Cardinals.

Bob was a devoted husband and father—a dependable, hardworking and honest man who provided well for his family.  He retired from McKee Food Corporation as District Sales Manager.

He was a perfectionist, especially about his clothes, hair and car.  He asked Jan to request of the VA that the inner rim of the back wheels of his "custom" wheelchair be silver.  His "ride" still mattered.

Robert (Bob) Jay Payne, age 75, was born in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, on August 20, 1948, to J.C. and Virginia Payne, who preceded him in death.

Bob is survived by his wife, Jan (Southerland) Payne, of Springfield, Missouri, whom he married on August 29, 1970, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.  Today would have been their 53rd wedding anniversary.

He is also survived by his son, Jason (Amy) Payne, of Mexico, Missouri, and daughter, Jill (Corey)Tracy, also of Springfield.

Poppy/Pops is survived by four grandchildren and two step-grandchildren: Jalyn and Jace Payne, Emma and Addie Tracy and Cody and Jacob Robnett; three great-grandchildren:  Graycen, Kaiser and Mya; and siblings, Carolyn (Clarence) Brant and John (Jackie) Payne.

Bob served in the army from April 1969 to January 1972, completing a tour of duty in Neu Ulm, Germany. He was a resident at the VA facility in Mount Vernon, Missouri, at the time of his passing on August 24, 2023.

It has been said that grief is the price we pay for love. As we grieve the loss of our beloved Bob, we celebrate his memory.

Rest easy, gentle giant, until we meet again.