Obituary of Don Michael Payte

Don Michael Payte, of Fort Worth, Texas passed away on August 1, 2024, at the age of 74. He was born on January 3, 1950 in Fort Worth, Texas to parents, Samuel Gene Payte and Joyce Cecilia Doreck.

He graduated from Paschal High School and loved the special friendships in the class of 1968, many of which have lasted a lifetime. He participated on the Paschal track team, and they tied the relay record at the state level during his senior year.  He graduated from Texas Christian University in 1972 with a degree in Business and was a devoted fan of TCU football.

Don married his high school sweetheart, Cynthia Chapman in 1970, and they were married for 53 years. They were blessed by the birth of their son, Brandon and daughter, Kendall. He was very proud of his precious grandchildren, Reed and Emma Shields.

He had a true passion for photography and developed Payte Commercial Photography in 1976. He worked diligently to create professional catalogs for Ben Hogan Golf, Union Pacific Corporation, Harris Hospital, IBM, Dickies, Angelos Barbeque and many other firms in the Fort Worth area. He was honored to be recognized at the Fort Worth Addy Awards in 1984 and 1987. The family business took him to Rockport and Aransas Pass where he completed the development of Pelican Cove for Payte Commercial Real Estate. He created many lifelong friends through his commitment to both photography and real estate.

Don enjoyed the family ranch in Granbury, hunting in San Saba, fishing in Alaska and the lake with his jet boats. He took great pleasure entertaining family and friends at his home on the Texas coast. The last few years he appreciated spending time with his brother, David Payte, and his sister, Diana Payte, at her ranch in Colorado. Don truly enjoyed life, overcoming many health challenges in his senior years.

Don loved his family dearly and is survived by his devoted wife, Cynthia, son, Brandon, daughter, Kendall Shields (Aaron), grandchildren, Reed and Emma Shields, sister, Diana Payte, niece, Shana Creel (James) and nephew, Ryan Turner.  He is survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and in-laws. Don will be forever missed by his special great-nephew, Andrew Creel.

A private family burial service is planned at Laurel Land and a Celebration of Life will follow in September.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, 1012 14^th Street NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC. 20005