My condolences to Crystal, Ed , Aunt Sharon and the entire family.  I'm so sorry but this is the first I'm finding out about his passing.  Korrin lost a grandfather she never got to know but we knew she was always on his mind sending birthday and Christmas cards, religiously, every single year.  I always let him know, but I hope he truly realized, how much we appreciated that he always remembered her!  Rest in peace Grandpa Ed.  Love, Kristin and Korrin

Ok.  What do I do with the Thanksgiving card I bought to send to you last year?  This is what it says:  "Happy Thanksgiving to a brother whose love and support are always there, whose great sense of humor can brighten any day . . . and whose friendship and closeness will always mean so much."  I miss you.  Love, YFBS

Dad, it's been two months and it still does not feel real. I miss your guidance, your voice, the way you answered the phone and so much more.i try every day to be strong, but there are days I feel so lost without you. I Love You So Very Much! Your daughter, Crystal

Dear Uncle Eddie,
Our birthday month has come and almost gone. How I miss talking with you about Teddy Bear, chatting about politics, and your upcoming adventure (shooting with Karl, going to the class reunion, or just getting out).  

You remind me so much of Pappa, whom left this earth many years ago, yet always remained because of your presence, gestures, and even voice.  Yet, you were your own person - so very very much your own!  You were very responsible and kept your word - something learned from Grammie and Pappa, and yet, become your own mode of life.  

Seriousness aside, I miss your voicemail, "LEAVE A MESSAGE!" that still causes me a smile and giggle today.

Thank you for talking with Leslie and I on your "strawberry ice cream" night with Ariel".  We always appreciated your time, laugh, and lively conversation.  You will forever be in our hearts and we look forward to seeing you in God's time.

Love Always and Forever,
Your Favorite (and only) Niece

Dear Papa, 
My world has never been quite the same since you've left this world. Even though I am heavy hearted I am so thankful I have been able to love you and know that you loved me in return. I miss you everyday. Having to speak to you through a computer just solidifies the reality that you have left this world. Recently I was asked, what is it that makes you so special to me; I responded with, I guess in ways I felt as though I saw you as you had seen me.  I never had to hide from you. You were and still are my safe haven. You will always live in my heart now that you are gone. I know you will always be here with me in spirit and watching over Elijah and I. I can't thank you enough for genuinely loving me for who I am without any judgment. I will never forget the last conversation I had with you. It was your request to have our overdue strawberry ice cream routine and good conversation. It was perfect and such a beautiful memory of the time we had together. Your journey from one world to the next was one of your own. I am thankful that each day I was able to look into your beautiful blue eyes while holding your hand. I truly felt like one of a kind in your eyes.I love you Papa. 
I will be waiting to see you in my dreams.                                              
~Arielle

Ed always made me laugh; he teased Crystal every time we spent time together. He loved to find a way to bring up politics no matter what the day was or the topic. He always had a reference to Obama and say something to Crystal about being a democrat, (she is registered as a republican) he would look at me with a great big smile and wink. All he wanted to do was get her goat!! He was always packing a gun. During our many outing to eat, we were at Olive Garden, he was not happy that he couldn't bring his gun in with him. He was talking and carrying on with me how many extra rounds he carried with him, (I thought it was a bit crazy) but it all meant something to him. So as our conversation continued, I asked him; So Ed how many rounds in all your life have you had to use? He got a big smile on his face and again with his wink.. he said, none, (in his big strong voice) but you never know!! He was always prepared for the attack! He always said he would bring all his rations and weapons to our cabin if anything happened!! I agreed! That was our plan!! I enjoyed all the time we spent together and all our conversations.  I'm confident that his spirit is with us everyday and he now preparing a path for all of in heaven!  I will miss his big smile, his simple wink!

My dear "Favorite Brother",
Wow!  Hard to write this.  You said you'd "live forever" and I counted on that!  Because from the beginning you were always there.  When you went off to school, mom said that I was on the bed crying until you came home.  I am so glad for the many, many phone conversations we shared. In the weeks before stroke No. 2, we were talking at least once a day and shared our memories of our childhood.  This was definitely a gift from God.
Who else will remember running up and down the streets of High Bridge with sparklers?  Didn't we know they could burn us and set something on fire?  What did we do before all the regulations "protecting us".  Like, do not use a hairdryer while you are in the bathtub.  Really?  And, "do you remember the well at the end of the street?" you would ask me.  And the lilac bushes that were so old they were like tree trunks!  And Christmas.  Laying on our beds listening to the chimes from the Dutch Reformed Church on Christmas Eve.
And in the years since!  I was your "date" at some phone company function and your co-workers wondered if I was your new girlfriend since your divorce.  Ha!  Created a lot of gossip. I will miss our "dates" at the Half Century Prescott High School reunions.  Starting in April, you would ask if I'd heard when the date was and would I go andyouwouldpayandletyouknow as soon as I received.
Oh!  And your old Chrysler with the horsehair seats.  A real bummer for a girl in shorts!  Did you ever pay me back the $143 that I gave you for the car?  I know I mentioned it a lot, and honorable Eddie would want right then to pay me back!

Remember the Christmas Tree cutting with mom, and Tom, and Debisu and little Leslie?  And how much you and Debisu enjoyed moving furniture into her condo!  Who will come up and have "chicken wings and onion rings" at Sizzler with me.  I am so blessed that you and Karl came up the very day before your stroke!
I came down to see you when you were first in the hospital and it was like a family reunion.  Karl, Crystal, Robin and Edwin were there.  You held my hand and kissed it. I wish I could've been there more for you during those last days, but I was blessed that Jack came from CA and drove me down twice.  From then on, with the diagnosis and meds, our conversations were not lengthy because of your pain.
Well, my dear favorite brother (my one and only), there are so many other memories, moving to Phoenix, having Grandpa Joe live with us and snore you to sleep in Prescott, mom's sadness when you enlisted in the Navy, how she would drop everything when you came into the room (I looked, but never saw the halo!), your stories of you and Daddy hunting and shooting and sneaking off to the horse races without telling mom, I will miss that and so much more.  You were a man of honor, a good brother and a lousy housekeeper.  Nevertheless, you offered me a bed and watch care when I had my back surgery in October 2010.  
You have always been in my life.  You have always been "Eddie" and now I am so very, very sad that you aren't here with us.
However, as I said at your memorial service, "You know you are saved if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  Romans 10:9.  You gave a big thumbs up to Crystal when we talked on August 25, 2015.  So, with that acknowledgement and the Christian upbringing we had in High Bridge, I know I will see you again because "in My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you."  John 14:2  So with that I ask that you save me a room.  I loved you so much, and you called me your "Baby Sis", and "Favorite Sister", and most recently, your "Siiiiiiister".

I will never forget the first time meeting you Uncle Eddie, I was stranded by a three yr old (Leslie Hyde) that locked me out of DebiSu's house ❤ I dont think I had hung up that phone 5 minutes  and I saw this truck speed in the driveway and this big man with a white t-shirt and jeans gets out. I was a little timid and scard at first but  you gave me a hug and said "Hi I am Uncle Eddie lets get this door unlocked".  You were that kind of man, you have made all of our lives very special in one form or another. I cant wait for you to unlock many doors for me on the other side. I love you and miss you. Xxoo

Papa, even though you have left this world I know that you will continue to watch over us until we meet again. Papa was a loving grandfather who always loved seeing his grandchildren and taught us a lot throughout his life. The number one lesson that I learned from him was that if you work hard in life there is nothing that you can't accomplish; I will always remember the lessons he has taught me in life. The memories of his smile and especially his voice will stay with me forever; there was never a time I didn't have a smile on my face when I was with or talking with Papa. You will be missed greatly but we will be together again, until then you will always be in my memories. I love you Papa.

Ed was my friend of the last 8 years or so that I enjoyed quite a bit. We were both ex-Navy guys but I was a submariner and Ed served in the surface fleet. That made me a "bubble head" and Ed was a "target". We enjoyed swapping old Navy stories and laughing about our days in the service. I'll miss you Ed..."Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate".  Ray Thompson Gilbert, AZ

My friend Ed, for 35 years through thick and thin ! You stood by me when everybody else left. You were always there for me. You called me your brother, and i called you my friend. To you calling me brother was the highest form of showing me how you felt about me. And i always said you choose your friends,not your family. You said I love you brother to me three times, two times more than you needed to !I love you too Ed. A friend is one of the best things you can have and one of the best things you can be. Thank you for all you taught me and gave me. For always being truthful, always keeping your word and always taking responsabilty for your life. I am proud to know you as my friend! You made my life better! You are a good person. See you on the other side and save a shooting bench for US.  P.S. There is no end of things in the heart .

On September 3 we laid to rest Edwin Frederick Payne III; son, brother, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Know that this is not a goodbye, never a goodbye. Goodbye implies that we shall never meet again; when our times comes and go, we shall all be reunited. You leave behind a lifetime of memories and lessons that we all can learn from. You shall live on within the hearts and minds of your friends, family and loved ones... Love you dearly papa.

Tomorrow will be two weeks since my Dad has passed from this world onto paradise. I miss you every day Dad, but I feel you are with me on this new journey of life without you as my rock and opinionated advisor who I will love and respect for eternity. I have to admit, it is incredibly hard and I am trying each and every day to be strong.

I learned a lot from my Dad throughout my lifetime: you will learn more from listening than speaking; make sure to work for a good company with benefits; know your facts and if you don't, figure it out; nothing is free so work hard for what you want; be a leader not a follower; save your money; retire as soon as possible; your word and your name is your honor; loyalty is an honorable trait but unfortunately, it is a trait that many do not have.

I asked Dad a lot of questions as a child and he would always say to me, 'You are far wiser than your age.' As an adult, although asking a lot of questions of his doctors and nurses would drive Dad a little crazy at times, he eventually understood when I asked questions of everyone and then expected answers to my pointed questions from each of the them, it empowered us and Dad with knowledge so he could make his own decisions. Dad was a man's man who wasn't going to be told what to do; he would tell you what he wanted. I also wanted Dad to do it his way, to not only honor the man he was but to respect his wishes just as he would have wanted it, and with his dignity intact. Dad, you did it your way - period. Loving you forever, your daughter (aka 'Sissy') ~Crystal

Ed was a "Mans" man and everyone who knew him will heart'lly agree. I knew Ed as a target shooting compadre. A group of us would hook up in Payson at a shooting range once a month. I used to enjoy watching him shoot his favorite .22 target rifle at swinging steel plates or on paper for group size. He would get real serious, reverse his navy cap, visor towards the back, then give out a hearty laugh when he shot a perfect group on a good day! When his eyes would let him, he was every bit good as the best. He never complained about his aches and pains. He just focused on his enjoyment in such a nice environment. He also loved to load and shoot an ole black powder revolver...which he did pretty good with. Again, he would laugh when, after each shot, that thing would produce a giant cloud of smoke. It was really funny. After our shooting sessions when we were starved, we would go to a restaurant in Payson, called Fargo's. A quaint, really nice place with great food. His favorite was their burgers. It was just so enjoyable...good friends, good food and great times. Sometimes I would wonder if Ed enjoyed Fargo's more than the target shooting. When planning the next months shoot, he would...like a kid, "and Fargo's?" So next time in Payson, please, go to Fargo's and tip a glass to a really great guy and a true American Patriot!

I believe God puts me in the path where I am needed. When I first met Edwin he was scared and unsure, I calmly said to him " Everything is ok, you are safe, and from this point on YOU are the boss" he looked at me, put his hand out and said " Thank you, I know I can trust you." 

As I guided Edwin and his family through the next couple of days I observed a beautiful family bond that is strong and loving, each character loved Edwin in a very different kind of way and for different reasons, but Edwin was no doubt loved and adored by many.  

It was truly a honor to care for Edwin in his final days and his family touched my heart dearly. 

Lisa Aragon, RN

Crystal (and family), I'm so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts! Hugs...

Crystal, Robin , Carl and your families are amazing people. I am honored to have met you all. My prayers are with you and amazed at the love you all show.
Randy G.

Met Ed when we were working teletype and then later we worked as a team traveling Arizona and New Mexico maintaining phones at schools, truck stops, military bases and hotels.  Needless to say we had several "adventures" along the way because Ed was never a dull person. You always knew Ed was in the room because you could hear his voice. Ed had a keen mind, a super sense of humor and a special love for his family and friends.  Will miss you good friend!  My sincere sympathy to his family.

I will always miss you uncle Eddie. I wish we had more time together to  be able to go shooting and fishing.

His pronounced arrival at every family event brought an ear to ear smile on my grandmothers face. The energy and aura that came with him made every time I saw him memorable. His staute, his booming voice, the tattoos, the stories. I admired him in every memory. That was my Uncle. You got what you saw, but there was another side to this hulking figure of a man. The kindness side, gentle as a butterfly. I will always look up to you, admire you for the man you were, and I will miss you. Until we get to sit down, play a game with your dad, and all have a beer together.

My dear dear Uncle Eddie, whom I used to call "Uncle Ready", I will miss you so very much. You will always be a cornerstone in our family and I will forever remember your teasing, laughter, and intelligence. We were pals in Glendale for many years and I so appreciate your love and the memories. Give Pappa, Grammie, and my Dad a big hug and someday we will again listen to your funky music and tease each other once again. Love, Your Favorite Niece (yes, I know I was your only niece...)

Crystal - We are so sorry for your loss and our thoughts are with you and your family.

We are so sorry for your loss.  The family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Ed and I dated for a short time after high school.  At ASU unknown to me Ed made a bet with Fred Winkler  that Fred couldn't  get a date with me.  Well Ed lost that bet and the rest is history as Fred and I have been married for 56 years.  We have lost a good friend and a wonderful man.  He will be missed.

 Dear Crystal  sorry for your loss.  Praying for your father.  And you. 
Gbu Take care Mary

I was sorry to hear of Ed's passing. He and I shared several classes in high school. He was always a caring person and fun to be around. I'm glad I had the opportunity to know him. We will miss him at our half-century club luncheon.

Crystal -You are in my thoughts and prayers.  I am sorry for the loss of your father.

I knew Eddie as a boy in NJ.  Only got to see him a few times after he moved to AZ with his family, but we kept in touch.  I'll always remember him as a great guy... and a real Patriot.

My memories of Ed is entwined with my Sister Rosalie "Rosie". We were young newlyweds and parents at about the same time. Their relationship was unconventional to the end.  And underneath was true caring.  the younger couple made me smile when they would Disagree and ultimately Ed would hug Rosalie and call her "toughie"...Ed had a wonderful sense of laughing at life..I feel Blessed that he was my BrotherInLaw....see you later Ed

I remember him as a great guy with quite a sense of humor.

Ed and I lived less than a block apart in the late 50's.  I clearly remember his 1947 Chrysler and our good times together during our senior year at Prescott Senior High.  His old Chrysler and my old 1947 Olds made quit a pair I must say.  Both were 4 door "tanks" and clearly set up apart from the hot rods of the day.  We didn't let that bother us and did our thing with our cars like most others did.  I am sure we did "drag" a time or two, but I don't remember who had the fastest "slow" car.  I will dearly miss seeing Ed at the class reunions and will never forget our good times together.

I worked with Ed in the TTY shop and had coffee with him many times after we all retired.  I will miss his humor and laughter.    Ron McComb

OBITUARY

Edwin Frederick Payne III

October 6, 1939 – August 26, 2015

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