David Wayne Payne

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of David Wayne Payne, 66, of Houston, Texas on Friday, January 9, 2026. David lived a life full of humor, hard work, and a deep love for his family.

David was born in St. Louis, Missouri on August 4, 1959, to Wayne and Katie Payne. As a youth, he lived in St. Louis and Memphis before moving overseas to Denmark with his family in 1974. After graduating Copenhagen International School in 1978, David returned to the United States with his family landing in Houston, TX. He attended the University of Houston where he received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance in 1982. He was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity where he served as commander, treasurer of the Student Government Association, and a beloved Delta Gamma Anchorman. It was at a Sigma Nu party where David met his future wife, Mary Meadors. They were college sweethearts since 1980, married in 1988, and built a wonderful life together filled with lots of love and laughs.

In 1992, David & Mary were blessed with a son, Chase Daniel. David took joy in parenthood and was a dedicated father. He coached soccer and little league baseball and volunteered as both a Cub Scout & Boy Scout leader. He happily wore the title Sleeping Thunder that he earned while camping with Boy Scout Troop 957. He took great pride in standing beside his son when Chase earned his Eagle Scout award, joining the Payne Family Eagle's Nest with his father, uncle, and grandfather.

David's career took the family to the Clear Lake area of Houston, and this is where they settled in 1996. After 14 years of service as "head finance guy" for an international transportation company, David retired. That didn't last long because Mary, knowing David's love of photography, recruited him as her free labor real estate photographer. He was so good that word quickly spread and before he realized it, he had a second career.

David enjoyed spending time with his family, a strong cocktail or cold beer, discussing fantasy football with Chase, movies and photography. He was a life-long learner and could hold detailed conversations about anything from the latest tech gear to how to brew the best cup of coffee. He and Mary would often attend wine classes and dinners together where he took detailed tasting notes on her preferences.

David is survived by his wife Mary, son Chase and wife Mattie, his brother John and wife Karen and their daughter Maddy. David will be missed because of his great sense of humor, easy-going manner, and his dedication and devotion to family and friends.

A celebration of his life will be held at St. Martin's Episcopal Church-Chapel, 717 Sage Rd., Houston, TX 77056 on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. A reception will follow.

Please note: the church will not accept flower deliveries. In lieu of flowers, contributions in David's memory may be made to the Boys Scouts of America at https://donations.scouting.org/#/national, Sigma Nu Fraternity Educational Foundation at https://www.sigmanu.org/educational-foundation/ways-to-give/donate-now, the University of Houston Alumni Association Foundation (your designation choice) at https://giving.uh.edu/givetoUHAAF, or St. Martin's Episcopal Church-Outreach at https://abundant.co/stmartinsepiscopalch/outreach.