This is the story of a man named Stephen Payne, told by the people who love him. Stephen was born on November 20, 1968 in Muncie, Indiana at Ball Memorial Hospital. He spent his childhood living with his family around the country in Indianapolis, Chicago, Cupertino, and Atlanta.

Stephen often spoke fondly of his time in Atlanta, Georgia, remembering the farm where his family lived. He sometimes lamented about a pet cow named T-Bone that eventually became dinner. He enjoyed driving his go-cart around the property, including into the pond one day. Stephen graduated from Lassiter High School in Roswell, Georgia.

After briefly attending Kennesaw State University, Stephen joined the United States Navy in 1991. He graduated from Defense Information School (DINFOS) at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis. He put his journalist training to work as a Navy broadcaster during his deployment in Diego Garcia, a US military base on an island in the British Indian Ocean. There he hosted his own morning radio show and spent a good amount of time in the sun fishing with friends. By the time of Stephen’s Honorable Discharge in 1996, he held the role of Journalist Third Class, and he was awarded two Navy commendation medals as well as a Navy Achievement Medal.

After the Navy, Stephen met and later married Michelle Ann Marks in April 1999. They had two daughters, Ellie (born 2004) and Phoebe (born 2009). Stephen held many roles throughout his life as a veteran, small business owner, and salesman, but his proudest was being a father. His favorite book to read to his girls was You are Special by Max Lucado. The story aligned with his strong value system that recognized what made people different is also what made them special. He was an advocate for veterans, people with disabilities, and the homeless. He often joked that animals, babies, and older folks liked him best. He dearly loved his Great Dane, Daisy May Payne.

Stephen passed away at his home in Noblesville, Indiana; he was 56 years old. He will be remembered by his two daughters, Elizabeth Shelby Payne and Phoebe Katelyn Payne; his parents Sam and Jeanne Payne; his three siblings, Jackson Payne (Megan Hart); Eric Payne (Lesley Kuhl); and Samantha Offringa (Barry); his uncle Troy Rose (Kim); his six nieces and nephews, Maxim Payne; Kathryn, Audrey, and Thomas Payne; Odelia and Theia Offringa; and many beloved cousins and friends. They will now live with the best parts of him in their hearts and will continue to tell his story.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Alma and Bill Stelzer; Mariana and Jackson Payne; and aunts Kris Payne Rose (Troy) and Sonya Payne Wendel (Charlie). The family welcomes those who wish to celebrate Stephen’s life to gather in the Theodore Room at the Fort Harrison Inn, 5830 N Post Road, Indianapolis, IN 46216 on Saturday, November 29, 2025 from 2 to 5pm.

For those interested and able to make a donation on Stephen’s behalf, please support the charities he favored, including Indy Honor Flight, a nonprofit that sends veterans to Washington D.C., or Wheeler Mission, a local homeless shelter.

“… I think you are pretty special.”   – You are Special by Max Lucado