ROBERT PAYNTER

Robert L. Paynter, age 87, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, January 29, 2020.  He was born June 22, 1932 in Abbotsford, WI, son of the late Samson and Joyce (Taylor) Paynter.  His childhood was spent in Wausau and graduated in 1950 from Wausau High School.  During the Korean War he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant.  He then attended University of Illinois, Champaign Urbana earning a bachelor's degree in Architecture in 1959.  He worked briefly for Shattuck and Siewert in Neenah and later became a partner of Sauter Seaborne Architects in Appleton.  His final occupation was Chief Architect for the State of Wisconsin in Madison.

Robert married Carol Andrews on September 5, 1959.  She preceded him in death on February 28, 2012.  A main emphasis in his life was his family.  He and his wife Carol had a very close marriage and raised their five sons with love and generosity.  He was a very dedicated caregiver for Carol after she became ill in 1985 and until she passed away.

He loved the outdoors and took his family on annual wilderness camping trips to the North Woods.  He also became Boy Scouts of America Scoutmaster of Troop 3 in Menasha which he guided for many years.  In later years he and Carol spent very special times in King's Canyon, California and in Door County, Wisconsin.

He spent many years remodeling the family home, built in 1876, on Winnebago Avenue in Menasha, and had it established as an historical monument in 1976.  He was also fond of planting and tending his yearly vegetable garden, and not very fond of rabbits.

He was a longtime member and vestryman of St. Thomas Church.  He was born again in 1972 coming to a personal faith in Jesus as his Savior and Lord.  He spread his newfound love for the Lord through home Bible studies, Faith Alive Weekends and long-time involvement in the Gideons International and was an avid supporter of Camp Forest Springs and the Institute in Basic Life Principles Seminars.

He also had a special heart for the mentally Ill and helped to establish a local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness for support and advocacy of those affected.

Survivors include his four children: Dan Paynter, Jamie (Annae) Paynter, Jeffrey (Sarah) Paynter, Christopher (Ann) Paynter; 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; Nieces Victoria Dauw, Constance Nicandrou, Debbie Skowronski and Nephew Timothy Skowronski

Robert was preceded in death by a son, Michael; and two brothers: Richard and Paul.

The Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 PM, on Saturday, February 22, 2020, at St. Thomas Church, 226 Washington St., Menasha, with Fr. Ralph Osborne officiating.  The visitation will be held at the church from 1:00 PM until the hour of service.  Military Rites will follow with the Neenah/Menasha Veterans Honor Guard.  In lieu of flowers a memorial is being established.