Robert Eugene Payne, 81, longtime Flagstaff resident, went to his heavenly home on Sunday, August 25 at 11:06 pm.  He passed away peacefully in his sleep at The Peaks skilled nursing facility here in Flagstaff.

Memorial services will be held at Norvel Owens Mortuary on Tuesday, September 3, 2019 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm.

On February 21, 1938 Bob was born on his grandparents' farm bordering the Mississippi River at Golden Eagle, Illinois to Velma Lee Herter and Ralph Payne.  He was fortunate to have the love and care of a wonderful father and stepmother (Eloise) later in his childhood.  His younger years were spent in Aurora, Iowa.

He and Geraldine Fitts were married on September 3, 1960 in the First Baptist Church in Electra, Texas.  A short time later he was drafted into the U.S. Army when the Vietnam War started.  He served in the Helicopter Medical Unit during his entire time in the Army at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas.  His son Todd was born during this time.  His daughter Sheri was born six years later in Phoenix, Arizona.

During Bob's lifetime, he had a variety of interests.  He was a mechanic, a pilot, a hunter and fisherman.  He was an avid lover of basketball and would watch a game no matter what team was playing.  He tried to take time to pursue those interests with his family.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother, daughter Sheri Tozzi, and sister Marge Murray and Janet Fifles.

Survivors include Geri, his wife of 59 years, son Todd Payne, son-in-law Don Tozzi, two brothers, Jim Murray (Nancy) and Duane Murray (Kathy), and  two sisters, Linda Strutton and Emilie Capots.

Bob will truly be missed but his memory will live on in our hearts forever.