Robert 'Bob' Payne

Robert A. Payne Sr. (Big Bob) was born on Feb. 21, 1930, in Danville, Illinois. He was the son of Luther Edward Payne and Genevieve Murielle Murphy.

His preteen years were spent in the Muncie-Fithian Oakwood area. He started first grade in 1935 at Pleasant Grove Grade School, a one room country school north of Oakwood, and later attended grade school at Muncie. The family moved to Danville, IL in 1942. Bob attended Fairchild Grade School and in 1947 graduated from Danville High School.

He enrolled at the University of Illinois in 1947 and moved to Champaign. He worked at Standard Oil Service Station to help pay his way through school and soon after he finished his junior year and opened his own Standard Oil Service Station in 1951. The station was located on Springfield Ave. His gas station was known for the Rocket in front of the station.

He spent 43 years operating the station and the last eleven years under the Sunoco brand. Mr. Payne, during those years operated two laundromats named "The Pink Lady" in Champaign and one in Monticello. He was also in the towing business for many years. He retired in 1993.

He married Doris McPherson from Danville in April 1950. She died in 1978. They raised three children: Robert Payne, Jr., Champaign, IL; Susan Smith, of Madison, WI and Doreen Gordon, Champaign, IL. He later married Wanda M. Glad in 1973. She died in December 1999. He later married Linda VanRoosendaal in 2006.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Donald Gene Payne and Fonis Edward Payne.

He is survived by his wife, Linda, a son Robert A. Payne, Jr, (Sharon) of Champaign, IL., Susan M. Smith of Madison, WI., and Doreen Gordon (Eric Boley) of Champaign, IL., and a stepson Steven Glad (Terry) of Godfrey, IL. He also is survived by eight grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.

Mr. Payne enjoyed golf, bowling, lawn care, gardening, and playing cards.

Memorials may be made to the Champaign Co. Humane Society in his honor.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 15, 2022 from 11am-1pm with a service to follow at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 710 N. Neil St. Champaign, IL. 61820. Bob will be interred at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Sidney, IL

Please join his family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com

Services Visitation Monday August 15, 2022 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center Champaign-Urbana Chapel 710 N. Neil Street Champaign, , IL 61820 Service Monday August 15, 2022 1:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center Champaign-Urbana Chapel 710 N. Neil Street Champaign, , IL 61820