Ronald Payne, Jr. Obituary Ronald Edward "RJ" Payne, Jr., 48, of Des Moines, Iowa, formerly of Keokuk, passed away early morning, December 8, 2018 at Heartland Care Center in Galesburg, Illinois. RJ was born July 11, 1970, at Keokuk, Iowa, the son of Ronald Edward and Suzan Roth Payne. He attended two years of college and received his Associate Degree. As a youth, he lived in Keokuk until he joined the United States Coast Guard. Following his discharge from the Coast Guard, he lived in California for a few years and then moved to Des Moines. He cooked for several years and managed restaurants. He was employed as a phlebotomist at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. RJ enjoyed Frisbee golf and regular golf, along with swimming. He played football at Keokuk High School, one year at Illinois State College, and was an Iowa Hawkeyes fan. He had a beautiful tenor voice. He helped at Teen Challenge of Des Moines. He was a very caring person and always supported the underdog. RJ is survived by his parents, Ronald Sr. and Suzan Payne of Keokuk; a sister, Rhonda (Joe) Boyles of Niota, Illinois; three nieces, Jordyn (Justin) Banges and great nephew Declan of St. Louis, Missouri, Gracelyn Boyles, and Kacey Boyles of Niota. Other survivors include aunts, Betty Crocker, Vera (Richard) Lillis, Sandy (Don) Hill, Kathryn (Keith) Oliver, Janice (Ken) LeMaster, Joyce Roth, Peggy Skinner, Vicki (Dennis) Pezley, Lisa Desmond, and Melody Krome; uncles, Michael Roth, Floyd (Mary) Payne, Larry (Susan) Payne, Gary (Trish) Payne and David Payne; several cousins, and other relatives. RJ was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents; Aunt Patsy, Cousin Larry Payne, and Uncles Bill and Joe. A Celebration of RJ's life will be at 10:30 AM Tuesday, December 11, 2018, at Living Waters Assembly of God Church with Pastor Larry Wallingford officiating. Burial with military rites will follow in Keokuk National Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Living Waters Assembly of God Church, Monday, December 10, after 3:00 PM and the family will meet with friends from 5:00 to 7:00. A memorial has been established in his name. Visitation Living Water Assembly of God 1928 Main Street Keokuk, Iowa 52632 family will be present to meet with friends from 5-7 PM 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Service Living Water Assembly of God 1928 Main Street Keokuk, Iowa 52632 10:30 AM