Robert L. “Spunk” Payne, age 81, of Deerfield, passed away on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at his residence. He was born in Deerfield on August 19, 1944, to the late Oliver “Bill” and Alberta “Bert” (Alcott) Payne. Spunk graduated from Deerfield High School and shortly after, entered the Michigan State Police Academy, becoming a State Trooper. He retired from Michigan State Police in 1997, after 25 years of dedicated service. He then began working in excavating, a position he worked in for another 20 years, retiring in 2020.
Spunk was very well known in the Deerfield community. He was known for helping anyone who needed the help. After retirement from excavating, he greatly enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, attending any event they had. Spunk was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt deer, pheasant, and rabbits. Spunk also enjoyed his time preaching at church – M & W Farms.
Left to cherish his memory are his children, Brad (Leanne) Payne and Jenni (Brad) Witt; grandchildren, Sophie, Tyler (Jenna), and Spencer (Becky); great-grandchildren, Carter, Kenna, Oliver, Maycee, and Caylee; brother, Ron (Leona) Payne; sisters, Peggy LaMonde, Nancy (Daryl) Seegert; and Norma (Doug) Poll; and special friends, Leslie (Jeremy) Zenz and their children, Madison and Peyton, along with Jeremy (Abbie) Miller and their daughter, Rayna. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Jerry LaMonde.
Visitation for Spunk will take place on Monday, November 3, 2025, at the Marry Funeral Home in Blissfield, from 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM. The funeral liturgy will be held at Light of Christ Catholic Church – St. Alphonsus Parish in Deerfield, on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 11:00 AM, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. Father Jeff Poll will officiate, and interment will be in St. Alphonsus Cemetery.
“One day, we will hunt our last hunt. Until then, enjoy every single moment of it.”
Words of comfort to the family may be offered at www.marryfh.com. Memorial donations in Spunk’s memory may be given to Light of Christ – St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. The Marry Funeral Home – Blissfield Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.