Robert “Bob” Payne
Feb 3rd, 1940 – May 23rd, 2025
Robert “Bob” Payne, long time resident of Santa Rosa passed away on Friday May 23rd due to the repercussions of a severe case of pneumonia.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Feb 3, 1940, Bob was the son of Robert A. Payne I and Jean McKeith Payne.
Bob joined the navy as a reservist at the age of 17, and went active duty for 2 years. In his early years, Bob worked for McCormick Mortuary, the LA Times, he had a Laura Scudders sales route, he ran 3 Taco Bell’s with his dad, and owned and ran a coffee shop called the Burger Basket in Santa Rosa before becoming a full time mechanic. Bob was well known around Santa Rosa as owner of Motor, Brake, & Wheel for nearly 50 years. For years it was the “after work get together spot” for his many friends. He retired at the age of 80.
Bob loved to tell his many life stories which nearly always revolved around what kind of car he was driving at the time. When he was young he loved motorcycles. His love of boating, waterskiing and camping lasted for at least 20 years. He was also one of the original members of the Santa Rosa 4×4 Jeep club.
Bob is survived by his two children Linda Absher and Mark Payne, as well as Linda’s 5 children and 4 grandchildren and Mark’s 6 children and 3 grandchildren.
