Robert “Bob” Allen Payne
October 26, 1948 – July 11, 2026
Robert “Bob” Allen Payne, 77, of Queen Creek, Arizona passed away peacefully on July 11th, 2026 surrounded by his loving family and lifelong friends.
Bob was born on October 26, 1948 in Mesa, Arizona to the late Jess and Helen Payne. After obtaining his degree from the University of Arizona, Bob served the people of Arizona as a livestock officer with the Arizona Department of Agriculture for 24 years, retiring as a Captain over the Investigations Unit.
Always the outdoorsman, Bob spent much of his free time and retirement on hunting trips with his family and friends. He never found a home improvement project that he couldn’t tackle – he taught himself to weld to build horse facilities for his family, and built many barns throughout the years for others. Customers always turned into friends – Bob always had a soft smile and a friendly approach to everyone he came across.
He is survived by his three children, Jess Wallace Payne of Flagstaff with his wife Alyssa, Stacey Copp of Queen Creek with her husband Connor, and Stephanie Payne of Queen Creek; and his two grandchildren, Tessa Copp of Queen Creek, and Allen Payne of Flagstaff. He is preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Cheryl Payne, his parents, Jess and Helen Payne, and his brother, David Payne.
A funeral and celebration of life will be held at 9:00 AM on Saturday, August 15th, 2026 at Heart Cry Church. A viewing will take place at the same location and date at 8:00 AM. Bob’s final resting place will be the San Tan Memorial Gardens, Queen Creek, Arizona. Arrangements made by San Tan Mountain View Funeral Home.
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