Barton Russell Payne

January 6, 1959 ~ January 1, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Barton Russell Payne, who left us on January 1, 2025 at the age of 65, just days before his 66th birthday.

Born in Kansas City, Missouri on January 6, 1959, Bart first moved to Texas in 1962, after which he became a lifelong Texan.

Barton was a loving father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend.

Barton graduated cum laude from Westminster School in Simsbury, CT in 1978 with his first two years at Westchester High School in Houston. Bart attended The University of Texas at Austin before transferring to The University of Houston where he graduated with a Bachelor's in Business Administration, majoring in accounting. After graduating, he obtained and maintained his CPA license, working professionally his first ten years for Kenneth Leventhal & Company and Ernst and Young LLP before becoming controller for companies including US Homes, Sam Houston Race Park, and Blohm and Voss.

Barton is survived by his son, Kyle Payne, wife Jennifer, grandson Andrew Payne; his step-daughter Courtney Ransom, husband Ryan Ransom; mother, Muriel Payne; sister, Dedra Payne Coffee, husband Mike Coffee; nieces and nephews: Dane Coffee, Kara Coffee Kreisman, Averi Coffee Woodard, and Cade Coffee and their families.

Barton was preceded in death by his father, John Maurice Payne; uncle, Dale Milton Flanagan; and grandparents, William Russell Payne, Clara Edith Payne, and grandmother, Sarah Lurana Flanagan Truesdell.

A gathering to celebrate Bart's life will be held at The Chapel at Balmorhea Events at 33400 Wright Road, Magnolia, Texas on March 23, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.