Robert Emerson “Grandpa Bob” Payne, 88, of Ironton, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011, at his residence. The Aid Township native was born Jan. 18, 1922, the son of the late Orin Milton Payne and Virgie Elizabeth Brown Payne Russell. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Effie Louise Neal, who passed away Oct. 24, 2001.

Mr. Payne was a1937 graduate of Aid School and a U.S. Army WWII veteran. He was a former industrial operator for the Alpha Portland Cement and Ironton Coke Plant. Bob was a member of Sharon Baptist Church in Ironton. He played football and basketball in high school and was active in his school plays. Bob was lovingly known as “Grandpa Bob” as a foster grandparent for the Open Door School for more than 10 years.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, Forrest Payne; two sisters, Ginny Wilson and Martha Ann Zimmer; and special-in-laws, Alonzo and Effie Neal.

He is survived by two sons and a daughter-in-law, Robert Michael Payne of Ironton and Steve and Kathy Payne of South Point; a daughter and son-in-law, Terri and Tim Fisher of Ironton; a brother, Carl Harry Russsell of Aid; seven grandchildren, Michael Lynn Payne of Wheelersburg, Cristina Marie Bartelson of Jackson, Matthew Emerson Payne of Wilmington, N.C., Steven Orin Payne of Huntington, W. Va., Charles Anthony Payne of Wheelersburg, Bryan Andrew Payne of Cincinnati and Sarah Nichole Fisher of Ironton; five great grandchildren; a great great grandchild; special loving nieces and nephews; one special caregiver, Debbie Meddings; and his loving dog, Little Bit.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Phillips Funeral Home Ironton, Ohio with Chaplain Jimm Smedley officiating. Burial will follow in Aid Cemetery with military graveside rites by VFW Post 8850. Friends may call Friday from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.phillipsfuneralhome.net.