Robert William Payette

Robert William Payette, our loving brother, son, father, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on May 8, 2025, in Houston, Texas. He was 39 years old.

Robert was born on August 27, 1985, in Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia to Julie and Steven Payette. Robert was their fourth child and younger brother to Angie, Greg, and Emily. In 1988, Robert became a big brother with the birth of Dennis. Robert was a happy, kind-hearted boy who loved horses, airplanes, sports, and his family and friends.

He spent his early childhood years living with his family in the beachside expat Aramco community of Ras Tanura. Robert had many friends as a child and loved playing soccer and baseball. Robert enjoyed school and learning.

In 1996, the Payette family moved back to the USA and settled in Kingwood, Texas. In his middle and high school years Robert participated in the Kingwood High School cross country team, Boy Scouts, church activities, league baseball and swim team, along with working as a pizza delivery driver. Later on he was a ramp worker at Bush Intercontinental Airport.

Robert earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America on December 30, 2003, reflecting his character, leadership, and commitment to service. He graduated from Kingwood High School in 2004. After his graduation, Robert went on to serve a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the New Mexico Albuquerque Mission from September 2004 to September 2006.

Robert married Kristen Noel Wells on July 19, 2008, and together they welcomed their beloved daughter, McKenna Payette, on November 5, 2010. McKenna was the light of Robert’s life. Robert was a loving and hard-working father.

In his early teenage years Robert developed a lasting interest in airplanes and flying. For several years his goal in life was to be a naval aviator. A close family friend, who is now a retired airline captain, gave Robert several opportunities to fly with him in a small single engine aircraft. On one of the early flights in a small airplane with dual controls, while Ray was lightly touching the pilot’s controls, he turned the flight over to Robert who circled the small airport, approached the runway and made a perfect landing by himself. Afterwards Ray said, “Robert is a natural as a pilot.”

However, as time went along, Robert realized that his dream of a flying career was no longer possible because of a lifelong medical condition that would eventually take his life.

Deciding to attend a university he first enrolled in engineering courses but feeling somewhat dissatisfied after a period of time, he moved to a curriculum that after graduation would place him in an occupation that brought him great joy and fulfillment. In December 2012, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management Information Systems from the University of Houston and afterwards built a successful career as Senior IT Security Analyst at Occidental Petroleum Corporation.

One of Robert’s fellow workers, speaking in behalf of many others, said, “His kindness, generosity, and quiet selflessness were evident in every interaction—he gave so much of himself, never seeking anything in return.

It is clear to all that knew him that he lived a life of love, integrity, and quiet strength. He will always be remembered with deep affection and gratitude.”

Unknown to most were the inner struggles that Robert pushed aside and overcame that resulted from the effects of his medical condition and the side effects of the required medications. This was undoubtedly one of his greatest accomplishments.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Julie Ann Wade Payette. He is survived by his daughter, McKenna Payette; his former wife, Kristen Payette; his father, Steven Payette, and current wife Elizabeth Bryant; his siblings, Greg Payette, Dennis Payette, Emily Payette, and Angie (Payette) Harvie; his niece and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 11 am. Robert will be laid to rest near his mother in the Plain City Cemetery in Plain City, Utah.

As Emily Dickinson once wrote, “Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality.”