- Date Of Death: May 30, 2020
- State: Michigan
Michael Thomas Payton, “Mike”, of Mahtomedi, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, May 30, 2020, with his family at his side.
Michael was born January 19, 1940 in St. Paul, Minnesota, the son of Patrick J. and Stella (Nadeau) Payton. Michael is preceded in death by his mother, Stella, father, Patrick, sister Maureen (Mo), daughter Shawn. Michael is survived by his wife Kathryn (Kitty) Francy-Payton who was loving companion who shared his passion for family, golf, and loved to spend winters in Fort Myers with friends and family; children Lynn (Dan) Simonson, Susan (Stuart) Samuelson, Patty (Gary) Skroch, Keith Payton, Kelly Payton, Courtney Redmond, Kate Francy, and John Francy; 15 grandchildren: Brandon, Aaron, Megan, Connor, Garrett, Clare, Hayden, Keith Hunter, Marissa, Zachary, Amber, Tommy, Max, Lauren, and Samantha; 1 great grandchild, Vincent; brother Patrick (Joan); and many nieces and nephews.
Michael grew up on St. Paul’s East side. He graduated from Johnson High School in 1958 and excelled in several sports. His baseball team won the state championship that year. Mike was active in Fast Pitch Classic League Softball. He was an outstanding player and played for Whitaker Buick in several World tournaments and the Morelli’s and All- American teams. Mike was inducted into the Minnesota Fast Pitch Softball Hall of Fame. He enjoyed telling a great story and with many friends enjoyed time at Vogels Bar in St. Paul solving world problems. Mike’s list of friends is endless due in part to his kindness, generosity, smile and infectious laugh that could warm a Minnesota winter.
Michael was a lifetime 3M employee and retired in 1995 with 35 years of service, most recent in Private Label Film Marketing. He was an avid golfer and worked at 3M Tartan Park after retirement. Mike was a proud father and grandfather and loved to spend time with his kids, grandchildren and great-grandchild. Mike and Kitty (as well as their kids) enjoyed many years of Fort Myers, Florida living during the winter months.
Our heartfelt appreciation to the staff at the Minnesota Oncology Saint Paul Cancer and Infusion Center and Fairview Hospice.
