Michael J Payne

Michael J. Payne, 68, of Northumberland, went home to be with the Lord Jan. 21, 2026. He had been at home in Hospice since early September 2025.
He was born Oct. 11, 1957, in Perth Amboy, N.J., a son of the late Walter "George" Payne and Patricia DeVine.
He is survived by wife of 24 years, Bernadette Reynolds Besek; Aaron Payne Northumberland; Nicholas Payne and Jennifer Guldin, Selinsgrove; Matt and Amanda Besek, Allenwood; Samantha Besek and Bryan Yeso, Northumberland; grandchildren Gavin, Lydia, Melanie. Kairi, Paula Devine, Sunbury; Bill Devine, Selinsgrove; Beth Devine and John McDonald, Leesburg, Va.; Joseph and Marcia Payne, Warrenton Va.; Eileen Payne Schwartz, Adamstown, Md.; numerous aunts, cousins, nieces, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Michael was a 1975 graduate of Sun Tech in auto mechanics and Shikellamy High School where he played football.
He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Northumberland, for 37 years. Michael served as layminister and was elected to Church Council twice.
He was an avid fisherman. He enjoyed fishing Bob's Lake, Ontario, Canada, each summer. He was a fan of the Phillies, Eagles Penn State and all motorsports especially Formula One. In his younger days, he raced his yellow Chevy Nova at Beaver Springs Raceway.
Michael battled and beat cancer in 2009 returning to Aubrey Alexander Toyota the Spring of 2010. An accident Dec. 31, 2012, left him no longer able to work. Small tasks around the house, enjoying his family, tending the yard and flowers became his routine.
It was Michael's wish that there be no services.
In lieu of flowers donations in Michael's memory may be made to St. Jude’s, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN or locally to Haven Ministries, 1043 S Front Street, Sunbury, PA, 17801.
Arrangements made by the Joseph W. Epler Funeral Home, 210 King Street, Northumberland.