Robert "Bob" Payne

Robert Eugene Payne went home to be with his Lord January 31, 2010, at St. John’s Medical Center, Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 65 years, 9 months and 16 days. Bob was born April 14, 1944 in St. Louis, Missouri. He was one of eight children, Peggy, Helen, Tom, Elwood, Donald, Betty, Margie, born to the union of the late Thomas and Era (Yates) Payne. Bob spent his early childhood and attended elementary school in St. Louis, before the family moved to Cuba, Missouri. In 1962, Bob entered the U.S. Army. He served two tours in the Vietnam War, where he was shot nine times. Other duty stations included Korea, Germany and Ft. Polk, Louisiana. Bob served his country with great pride and honor, and was awarded the Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal (6th award), Overseas Service Bars (2), National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Army Service Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one silver service star, German Marksmanship Award (bronze), Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm, Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge (M16) and the Meritorious Service Medal. Staff Sergeant Payne retired from active duty service in 1984 at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. On November 5, 1965, Bob was united in marriage with the love of his life, Doris Jean Schwidde. In their 44 years together, Bob and Doris were blessed with three wonderful children, Tina, Rob and Lance. Their family grew to include Tina’s husband, Dan, Rob’s wife, Ronda and Lance’s wife, Sara. And finally, the joy of Bob’s life, the grandchildren, Blair, Wyatt, Mason, Cody, Blake, Hunter, and Easton is on his way. Bob worked in civil service at Ft. Leonard Wood as the Activities Director at the 3rd Brigade Gym. He owned and operated Payne’s Sporting Goods in St. Robert, and worked for the City of Richland as the Park Director. Bob was an avid sports fan. He not only enjoyed watching sports, but for many years, played softball and was a member of the All Army Fast Pitch team. He also enjoyed hunting with special friends. Bob especially loved watching the St. Louis Cardinals with his grandchildren. Bob was one of those special people whose light always shone. No matter where he was, or who he was with, he never met a stranger. He was “Magic Bob” to all little children. Bob’s deep, unfaltering love of the Lord led him to mission trips in Haiti, Germany and several locations in the U.S. He traveled with the Benny Hinn Ministry for a time, served as associate pastor at Buckhorn Baptist Church, was a past member of Cornerstone Baptist Church, and was currently a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Richland. But Bob’s true passion was visitation ministry. Whether it be a nursing home, hospital or someone’s home, Bob’s heart was touched by his time spent visiting those who were ill or just in need of a friendly visit. Bob was very dearly loved, and will be greatly missed by his beloved wife, Doris; one daughter: Tina Ganoe (Dan) of Richland, MO; two sons: Rob Payne (Ronda) of Edgar Springs, MO and Lance Payne (Sara) of Richland, MO; two sisters: Peggy Garcia (Johnny) of the state of CA; Helen Wirz (Ralph) of Monroe Falls, OH; one brother: Tom Payne (Dorothy) of Crestview, FL; his grandchildren: Blair, Wyatt, Mason, Cody, Blake, Hunter (and Easton is on his way); several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many, many friends. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by two sisters: Betty Chism and Margie Wilson and two brothers: Elwood and Donald Payne. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, February 4, 2010, in the Memorial Chapel of Richland with Rev. Nathan Sheridan, Rev. Chuck Baker and Rev. Lee Todd officiating. Special friend, Pat Gambill shared fond memories of Bob as did other friends and family. Special music selections included “Trading My Sorrows”, “Show Me Your Face” and “I Will Rise” provided by Dirk Ellis, Cindy and Gerry Frank, John Olle, Amber Sheridan and Paul Bills. Serving as pallbearers were Rex Pingleton, Rex Allan Pingleton, Jimmy Payne, Gerry Frank, Mark Jones, Terry Glick, Mike Reagan and Junior Barker. Honorary escorts included Tom Payne, Levell Barker, Curly Basham, Pat Gambill, Bob DeForest, Robert Jenkins and Mark Karr. Burial followed in the Oaklawn Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Army, Fort Leonard Wood. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Robert Eugene “Bob” Payne to Richland First Assembly of God Church building fund.

Robert "Bob" Payne

April 14, 1944 - January 31, 2010