Michael A. Payne was born January 1, 1958, to Don Lee and Beulah Mae Payne. He was always proud to be the first baby born that year in Tippecanoe County, Indiana. He is the second oldest brother of eight children. After graduating from Harrison High School in 1976, he started working in the flooring industry. He owned his own business for 35 years, retiring in 2014. He married Janet Brooks in 1978, and they were married for 35 years. They have one daughter, Lanie Christman.

Mike retired in 2014 and was enjoying his life without work, although he never really slowed down. He spent a great amount of his time with his daughter and his grandson, Michael. They enjoyed baseball and basketball outside, or inside at the dining room table playing cards and board games. He was always available for a conversation with Lanie, whether it be for advice or just keeping up on daily life. He also spent his time helping his friends around their small town. He belonged to the Carroll County Country Club, serving as a board member in past years and spending as much time on the golf course as the weather would allow. In the two years before his passing, he bought a travel trailer south of Nashville, Tennessee. He loved going to the campground, meeting new people, and trying different adventures.

Mike had served on the Prairie Township Volunteer Fire Department since 1990 and was the chief of the department for the three years before his passing. He had also served as treasurer in previous years. He was an absolute advocate of equal rights for women. During his time as chief, he worked to expand the department by adding two women to the department. Since his passing, one more woman has also joined the department, a department accomplishment he would be very proud of being a part of. He is deeply missed by his daughter, grandson, numerous family members, department, and friends.