Paynes celebrate 50th

Bob and Jackie Payne will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept. 24.

The couple have six children, 25 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, with one grandchild deceased, and one great-grandchild deceased.

Bob and Jackie started out as "two teenager's crazy in love with one another," according to family members. Jackie lived in Glendora Calif., and Bob lived in San Gabriel, Calif. "Bob would walk 20-plus miles to see his future wife. It was a typical young love story."

The couple made the move from California to Mountain Home "when the streets of California just weren't safe anymore." Jackie said she knew it was time to move when her "boys just couldn't walk down the street safely."

Shortly after Bob and Jackie were ready to pack up their four boys Rob, Gary, Troy and Kenny, to head for Idaho, Jackie found out she was pregnant with their fifth child, Missy. Seven years later, they had their youngest child, Jennifer.

"The first years were very scary for the young family," their family members reported. "They were down to their last $100 when Bob bet it all on the shop. He spent their last few bucks and paid rent on a small building on Airbase Road and a few sample books and named the business Bob's Carpet Service.

"Bob and Jackie waited four weeks for their first customer. Jackie did what she could to help family get by. She took on odd jobs like cake making, sewing, ironing and even babysitting until things got better. Once the business started making its way, Jackie was able to run the office side of things while Bob installed carpet. They made a pretty successful team," the couple's family said.

"Our parents worked hard to instill family values. We watched our parents work side by side for many years. Mom and dad have worked for many years showing us kids what it means to be a team. Showing us that marriage vows are not something to be taken lightly."

In 1994, they decided to retire. Their children have continued to work together to keep Bob's Carpet Service successful. The dynamic is still the same, however. The oldest daughter, Missy, does the office work. Three of the four boys still install carpet and vinyl the way their dad taught them -- "Right the first time!" The business remains a family run operation.

The second to the oldest son, Gary, is a meat cutter.

Jennifer, recently turned in her office work at Bob's Carpet to be a stay-at-home mom. She resides in Boise.

In 2009, Bob and Jackie built their dream home.

At the last family reunion there were 52 members in all and eight more babies have been born into the clan since then.

"Mom and dad have taught us the best they can about being responsible, hardworking adults," their children said. "Each of them made sure we all knew how to make it on our won. We are so thankful to have our parents in our lives."