Michael H. Payne

Michael was born in Keokee, Virginia on September 3, 1942, to Hura Harrison Payne and Elzie Duff Payne. He graduated from Nyack High School in Nyack, NY where his father was a teacher. Michael earned a degree in History from Blackburn College and a master's degree in History from Illinois State University. Mike married Jeanne Kathleen Kowalik in 1966.

Michael began his career in the insurance industry with Connecticut General Life Insurance in New York. His job required a move to New Orleans and another move to work with Boon-Chapman in Austin, Texas in 1976 where he made many lifelong friendships. He achieved a number of professional designations throughout his career, including FLMI. After leaving Boon-Chapman, Michael was a partner in Claims Services Resource Group, a specialty claims processing company. He sold his interest in CSRG and joined the Texas Hospital Association. He retired after a long career in 2011.

Michael was a loving father to his daughters, Sarah and Allison. He was always present at tennis tournaments, soccer games and swim meets. Though his career was in the insurance industry, he had a lifelong passion and interest in history. Michael loved his grandchildren, Austin, the Longhorns and the warm weather, which allowed him to golf nearly year round. He was a long time member of Great Hills Country Club and a devoted member of St. Theresa Catholic Church.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanne; daughter, Sarah (Barry) Senterfitt; daughter, Allison (Andy) Cates; grandchildren, Meredith Senterfitt, Reed Senterfitt, Stephen Cates, and Frances Cates; sister, Nancy (Robert) Osinoff and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A memorial mass will be held at St. Theresa Catholic Church on Friday, June 30th at 10 a.m. A catered reception will follow the memorial mass at Great Hills Country Club. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice Austin or St. Theresa Catholic Church. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wcfishnorth.com. The family would like to thank Hospice Austin, Dr. Declan Fleming and Dr. Anna Capasso of UT Health Austin and Dr. Mason Mileur.