Bob R. Payne.
In the care of Chapel of the Roses & Chapel of the Roses Cemetery
– Bob R. Payne was born on September 1, 1937, in Konawa, Oklahoma. He passed away at home on April 13, 2025. Bob is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Lori (Loretta) Payne. Bob and Lori met while attending college at San Jose State University. After getting married, serving in the Army National Guard, raising two children, and working full-time, Bob’s nine-year dedication to his education earned him a bachelor’s degree in social sciences. During this time, he also worked part-time for Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) at the company’s headquarters in San Francisco. His responsibilities included operating the elevator and working at the utility billing counter.
After graduating, Bob continued his career as an Electrical Estimator with PG&E. When an opportunity arose in the San Luis Obispo office, he moved his family to the Central Coast. Bob ultimately worked for PG&E for forty years, retiring in 1997. The family settled in Arroyo Grande in 1966, and in 1971, after the birth of their third child, they moved to a property on Huasna Road. Bob and his family resided on this property for forty-five years.
Bob’s love for the outdoors was reflected in the many projects he completed both on his property and within the community. He always had a “project” that involved hard work and sweat. Through these efforts, he instilled in his three children the values of faith, family, friendship, and giving back.
Bob gave back to the Arroyo Grande community in numerous ways. He was a leader of the El Camino 4-H Club for twenty years and was actively involved in various organizations dedicated to community service, including the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, the Mission Trail, the PG&E Retirees Club, and most notably, the Arroyo Grande Lions Club, where he served for fifty years. He held the role of president multiple times and participated in many memorable events such as the Lions BBQ stand at the Harvest Festival, the annual Lions Club basketball tournament, and the always-entertaining Donkey Softball games—yes, they played while riding donkeys!
His commitment to service earned him the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship Award for humanitarian service. He especially cherished the friendships formed through the Lions Club. In addition, Bob served as an usher at Saint Paul’s Catholic Church in Pismo Beach for over three decades. He was a shining example of selfless service and a true role model for his family and community.
Bob was preceded in death by his father, William Lafayette Roberts; his mother, Eula Belle Roberts; and his brother, Jerry Payne. He is survived by his loving wife, Lori, and their three children: daughter Karen Franzone, and sons Kevin Payne and Kurt Payne. His extended family includes two sons-in-law, a daughter-in-law, eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
A graveside will take place on June 5th at 11 am at Pine Mountain Cemetery in Atascadero
A Celebration of Life will be held on June 6th at 11 am at Nativity of Our Lady Catholic Church in San Luis Obispo.
Bob’s family will miss him dearly but find comfort in knowing that he lived a full and meaningful life, surrounded by love, service, and community.
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