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In Memoriam

Michael "Mike" Payne - Class Of 1985 VIEW PROFILE

Michael Mike Payne

"Friends, on behalf of the Payne family I am sad to announce that Michael "Mike" Payne (OHS class of '85) passed away unexpectedly last Friday morning. Services are this Wednesday, August 11, 2021, with viewing at 10:00am and funeral service starting at 11:00am, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in East Lansing. Lunch immediately following at Coral Gables.

"Please keep Mike's mother Jan, his sister Kim and brother Denny in your thoughts and prayers."
From Joe Tonnos class of 1985 
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Michael Thomas Payne class of 1985, February 4, 1965 - August 6, 2021 of Okemos, Michigan and Fountain Hills, Arizona, age 56 passed away unexpectedly on August 6, 2021.

Michael graduated from Okemos High School in 1985 and served the State of Michigan for 31 years, retiring in 2018. He was an accomplished cyclist and completed 14 Dalmac tours and numerous other bike tours. He was an avid sports fan and attended many local, regional and national sporting events. He enjoyed many travels with his family and camping trips with his brother Dennis. Michael faced the many challenges in his life with fortitude, perseverance, courage, humor and grace. He was a dear friend to many and will be sorely and deeply missed by his family and friends.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, 955 Alton Rd., East Lansing on Wednesday, August 11 at 11:00 am with visitation at the church at 10:00 am with Father Matthew Bonk officiating. Interment will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Those desiring may make memorial contributions in Michael's name to St. Thomas Aquinas Parish or a charity of one's choice. Online condolences can be made at www.greastlansing.com

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/east-lansing-mi/michael-payne-10298694?fbclid=IwAR3S5y2fpywCLkKyV-QqU1wZhol8rpP2Z37yle1s0YThJweeUaxjdfx9_Mg

 
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09/19/22 02:08 PM #1    

Laurel Winkel (1968)

Comments from the Okemos High School Class of 1985 Facebook page:

Nick Kael
I just saw this and I would have flew back for him. Loved Mike great guy
 
Shar Pirochta Kahl
Thanks for letting us know. I remember Mike as such a kind person & always had a smile. My condolences to his family & friends.
Jeff Stehr
Mike was a great guy. I still remember him “teaching” me how to play *Monopoly*. I’d never played before, so he totally schooled me, laughing all the way.
 
Joe Tonnos
what a great tribute! I will always remember Mike this way.
 
Kevin Britton
Tell Dennis that we loved Mike on our softball team! He was awesome!
 
Joe Tonnos
 will do!
Julie Van Wyk
 I have fond memories of Mike and our softball days! Such a kind soul.
 
Renee Blesch Hill
Thank you for letting us know. I remember Mike in HS as such a kind person. My condolences to his family.🙏
Phil Davis
So sorry to hear, Mike was such a nice kid when I knew him in high school. Always good to see him at school events. Thoughts and prayers go out to the Payne family.
Karen Segerlind Baum
So sorry to hear this. He was a very nice person. I would see him every once in awhile on the bus to MSU games. Prayers for his family.
Traci Rehard-Vanmiddlesworth
So sorry to hear this. Lots of great memories of Mike. I’ll be thinking about all of them.
 
Karen Northrup Kissinger
My condolences to the Payne family. I am sorry for your loss.
Karen Carpenter
I’m so sorry to hear this! Memories of Mike as friendly, kind and resilient in high school. Prayers for the entire family ❤️
~Karen (Schoenl) Carpenter
 
Chris Link Hammond
Sending prayers to the family. Thank you for sharing! RIP Mike.
Mike Wright
I did not know Mike well but what I do remember is that he was always so kind. Sending prayers to the Payne family.
 
Teod Tomlinson
Sad news! Such a nice man.
It was fantastic to see Mike at the 2015 class reunion.
Joe Tonnos
Update/clarification: viewing is at 10:00 am, funeral service starts at 11:00 am. Details in the obituary posted above.
Paul Johnson
It was a blessing to know Mike all through the years at Okemos. He was a kind and gentle soul who had a good sense of humor. It was a pleasure to see him at our 25 reunion. My thoughts and prayers to Dennis, Kim and Mrs. Payne, May God bless you and keep you in His perfect peace.
Tim J Cherryholmes
Sorry to hear that. He sure was a nice guy. Played with him on a few teams back in Oaks recreation. Prayers to his family. And yes you might see him anywhere around town. RIP Mike.
 
Jen Brewer
I remember Mike playing softball with us also. He was such a sweet soul. He rode his bike there every game.🥰

🥰. So many prayers for his family. 🙏🏼
🙏🏼
🙏🏼
Michael Elias
Oh my! That is truely a loss. I remember the first day he came to Cornell. He was in my first grade class ( I believe it was Mrs Cherryholms)
Thanks for the info.
Joe Tonnos  it was totally a shock. He came to a backyard cookout at my house the Saturday before he passed, and everyone was commenting on how good he looked. Still hard for me to believe
 
Michael Elias
  I can imagine! I always loved seeing him in any number of random spots! The man could get around!!!!
Joe Tonnos
  he was so well loved throughout the community-everyone seemed to know him!
 

 

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