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.
Photos
Deborah Hale Telles 
Beth and Dennis Butner
I send condolences to Bob’s family and friends who were very blessed to have him in their lives. I remember Bob back to the late 60’s. We would gather over at the Jacobson’s home just a bunch of high school kids. Karen Sue Jacobson was my best friend and Bob’s best buddy was Dean
Jacobson. We were good kids and just had good times Bob was a good guy and always polite. I don’t remember him acting out or having any negativity. Rest in peace. Bob. Looks like you did life well.
We had the pleasure of knowing Bob when we were neighbors in Gilbert ! We watched Bob and Cheri raise a beautiful family ! He was either grooming the farm , raising children or on an amazing hunting trip . We enjoyed Bbq dinners , riding horses , bonfires and just plain enjoying life ! He was a great friend , husband , father , grandfather and we will miss him dearly . Rest in peace Bob you were one of the good guys !