Date of Death: December 12, 2021
Service Details
Visitation will be held Monday, December 20, 2021 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Paul Booko officiating. A video of the service is available here. (Note: Due to technical difficulties, the video starts a few minutes into the service. We apologize for the inconvenience.)
Obituary Notice
Robert Elias Payne, 56, passed away December 12, 2021 at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, MI.
He was born in Ludington, MI on October 18, 1965 to Frank and Clara (Nicolls) Payne.
Following a house fire, the Payne family moved to Wichita, KS and eventually Emporia, KS where Rob graduated high school and vocational school. After graduation Rob moved to Leavenworth, then back to Emporia.
In 1988, Rob moved to Sturgis, MI to be with his family, which has been his number one focus after his relationship with Jesus Christ. He was a member of Riverside Church.
He enjoyed the years he spent and relationships he made while employed at Iowa Beef, Michigan Livestock, LTi Printing, Walmart, Advance Auto Parts and Robert Weed Corp.
In 1992, Rob met the love of his life, Lynn Kern. They were joined in marriage August 12, 2000 in Centreville. They chose to build their life in Three Rivers, where he resided the rest of his life.
The couple had three children who were Rob’s pride and joy. He spent many days at ball diamonds, football fields and basketball courts supporting and coaching his children and their friends.
Rob was an avid sports enthusiast, with the Detroit Lions, Red Wings, Tigers and the Michigan Wolverines being his favorites behind the teams of which his children were members.
He had a special love of the outdoors, bonfires, camping, hunting, fishing, barbecuing and visiting Lake Michigan and returning to his beginnings in Ludington.
Remaining to cherish Rob’s memory are his wife, Lynn (Three Rivers); parents, Frank and Clara (Colon); children, Austyn and Henrik (Three Rivers); sisters, Wendy (Rick) Langdon (Sherwood) and Dawn Pelfrey (Colon); nieces, Kassie Payne (Sturgis), Shyanne (Jared) Allen (Colon), Alexis Shenefield (Coldwater), Carly Payne (Colon), Faith Fulks (Sherwood); nephews, Levi Brown (Sturgis), Kristofer (Kate) Henderson (Constantine) and Timothy “TJ” Pelfrey (Coldwater); several great nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, daughter Mateja Payne, sister Starr Payne and nephew Jesse Payne.
Additional Information
Donations in Rob’s memory may be directed to the family of Rob Payne c/o Lynn. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Please Leave Your Condolences
When your condolences are submitted they will not display until approved by the Hohner staff for appropriateness out of respect for their memory. They should appear within 24 hours or less. Thank you for your understanding.
Lynn, I’m so sorry for your loss. I just seen/read this. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the kids. I’m Cody Draime’s mom, in case you can’t place the name.
Dear Lynn and family. So sorry to learn of Rob’s passing. Because of his trust in Jesus, we will see him again but for this time that we remain here, there is still sorrow. You are in our prayers.
Lynn & family,
We are so sorry for the sudden loss of Rob. We pray that God brings you all peace and comfort during this very sad time. Hold on tight to one another and the wonderful memories you have. God bless you all!
Jim and Karen Tennant
Dearest Lynn & family,
We are so very sorry for your loss.
Rob was such a great person & wonderful dad. We met Rob thru church.
I will always remember him carrying a load of children’s coats. Some for this children & searching for the other owners of the rest Big smile on his face! He always asked how we were doing & how is the family. Let the many wonderful memories comfort you during this hard time. Let us know if we can do anything for you.
Prayed & hugs,
David & Denise Miller
We have known the Payne’s for a few years as our sons played baseball together on the same travel team one season.
Rob was always optimistic about all of the kids and spent a lot of time helping the kids improve. He was happy to see the kids playing and getting better, not just winning. He loved his family deeply and always gave reverence to the Lord Jesus Christ. Rob will be missed!
Lynn – I’m so very sorry for your loss. Rob was a kind soul with a smile that could light up a room…. He will be missed.
Dawn and family so sorry about your loss
I worked with Rob at LTi Printing. He was always smiling. A great guy! Prayers and thoughts for your family during this very difficult time. Peace be with you.
I am so sorry for your loss Payne family my condolences to you he was a good man he will be missed
Rob will be so missed. We just were talking not that long ago at &Menards. He and Sam always talked about the Lions and the Rams, lol. Our prayers are with you and Austin and Henrick. Love you, Lynn
Rob was the ultimate family man. We were blessed to have known him.❤️
With Love, Billy and Karen
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Rob. Although I haven’t known him for very long, we quickly became friends. His love for his family was always apparent, and foremost in many of our conversations. I’ll remember him as a hard worker, a man who always had a smile, and most importantly, a good friend.
My prayers and thoughts are with his family, and may they take solace in the love that Rob gave them.
God bless.
Just blown away Rob’s sudden homecoming, he was way too you to leave his precious family. I pray for God’s peace and comfort for Lynn and the kids in this very difficult time. May God cover you with his love and wrap you in his loving arms!
May Rob’s memory be for a blessing to all whose lives he touched.
Sending my condolences to Rob’s family and a hug to Lynn and the children.
The loss of Rob has hit our work family deeply. No words can convey how much he will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go with you all