Frank Edward Payte, 68, of Hot Springs, Ark., died Feb. 26, 2023, after a six-year battle with cancer. His final days were spent at CHI St. Vincent, surrounded by his closest family and friends.
Frank was born April 25, 1954, to J.D. and Doris Payte in Hot Springs, Ark. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Joe; and his beloved dog, Spudley.
Frank graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1972 and enjoyed attending his 50th Class Reunion last year. He went on to study at the United Electronics Institute in Dallas, Texas. Although he lived a few years away from the area, Hot Springs was always his home.
He was a self-employed electronics technician who specialized in musical equipment repairs. He was the guy who could "fix anything." If he came across something he had not fixed before, he would research and study until he found the answers to complete the repair. He could solve problems while thinking outside the box to find creative and innovative solutions.
For several decades, Frank was the premier technician for musical instruments and sound equipment in the Hot Springs area. Even outside of musical equipment, Frank could fix any problem. His loss will be felt deeply by his family, and the musicians of this city.
Frank was also a skilled musician himself, playing with many local bands over the years, including the Hired Hands, Thunder Rose, The L.A. Straight Band, The Mountain Valley String Band, Debbie Mize and the New Rhythm Section, Slightly Sane, and Catfish LaFever. He was a sound engineer for several live music venues during the 1980s-'90s.
Frank loved to spend time with his family and friends in Hot Springs and in Colorado. His sharp wit, humor, terrible puns, warm smile and heartfelt hugs will be missed deeply. He was a gentle genius that went out of his way to be kind to the ones he loved.
He is survived and missed by his family, Tony and Karla Nardi, Jeffrey, Giovanna, and Ila Splawn, Zach, Angela, and Oliver Nix, Tim, Maria, Violet, and Olivia Arthur, several cousins, and a multitude of dear friends.
A celebration of life event will be held from 3-6 p.m. on April 23 at 118 Arbor St., Hot Springs, AR, 71901. Bring your instruments. We will share stories of Frank, play music and remember ways to be more like Frank.
An online guestbook will be available for friends and family at http://www.grossfuneralhome.com.