Robert K. Payne's Obituary
Robert K. Payne, 94, of Granbury, Texas, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away December 3, 2025.
Most knew him as Bob, many as Robert, some as RK, a few as dad, and always Bobby to his mother. He was smart, tough, fair, and spoke volumes with few words. He was one of a kind who will be dearly missed.
Bob was born in Dallas, Texas, on July 12, 1931, to Robert Louis and Mattie Sue Payne. Bob was raised in Dallas and graduated from North Dallas High School. Upon graduation, Bob began his undergraduate career at UT-Arlington before moving on to Texas Tech, in Lubbock, where he graduated in 1953, with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
With multiple opportunities at hand after graduation, Bob returned to Dallas, where he joined Dallas Power & Light, ultimately spending his entire career with Texas Utilities until retirement. Bob was a licensed professional engineer in Texas, a member of ASME and IEEE, and served on industry-related committees and advisory councils and was a member of the Texas Tech University Academy of Mechanical Engineers.
Bob married Wanda Lee Wellborn, also of Dallas, with whom he would share sixty-four years as loving husband, friend, companion, and travel partner. Bob and Wanda were faithful followers of Christ, both active in the church, where Bob served as choir member and deacon. They were loving parents to three children - son Robert Warren, and twin daughters Rhonda Lee and Glenda Jean.
Bob was preceded in death by wife Wanda, parents Robert Louis and Mattie Sue Payne; sister Carol Martin, and brother John Payne. He is survived by son Warren Payne and wife Kathryn, Houston; daughter Rhonda Phillips and husband Dr. Brit Phillips, Fort Worth; daughter Glenda Stoneham and husband Allen, Dallas; granddaughter Brittany Phillips, Dallas; granddaughter Madeline Stoneham, Dallas; great-granddaughter Emersyn Hosea, Dallas.
In lieu of flowers, in memory of Bob, we invite you to contribute or donate to Samaritan’s Purse or your local volunteer fire department.
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