We invite all who knew, loved, learned from, laughed with, or were encouraged by Daniel M. Payne (1948–2025) known to many as Coach Dan – to join us in celebrating a life that was lived outward, generously, and with deep purpose.
Born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Dan carried with him from an early age a quiet discipline and steady determination that would shape every season of his life. Just as enduring was his deep commitment to people, community, and faith values that guided every chapter of his journey. Whether you knew him as a parent or grandparent on the sidelines, teammate, coach, mentor, a YMCA leader, neighbor, or he knew you as snicklefritz, it’s likely you all felt the same thing: you mattered to him and were his friend.
As a gifted athlete, Dan earned a track & field scholarship to West Virginia University, where he was an All-American while earning degrees in Physical Education and Sports Management. Running was more than a spot to him, it was a lifelong discipline that shaped his confidence, character and purpose. A sport that became his compass, shaping life principles that fueled a lifetime of perseverance carrying him forward in the pursuit of opportunity. During his college years at West Virginia University, Dan found his calling as the director of the Morgantown Youth Center, where his lifelong mission of believing in the youth, cultivating character, and building community was first awakened.
After college, Dan continued running at a professional level – not as a hobby or in the chase of a medal, but as a faithful expression of running his own race with intentional purpose, stewarding what he had been given, and “giving back” in service to others. He began his professional career with the YMCA of Warren, Ohio where he played a formative role in the YMCA Great Lakes Leaders’ Training School in Great Lakes Ohio mentoring the youth whose lives were shaped by this program. Dan devoted more than 35 years of his life to the YMCA of the USA serving communities in Warren, OH; Pittsburgh, PA, Lancaster, OH; South Bend, IN; and ultimately Round Rock, TX, where he retired from the YMCA. He wasn’t just present in these communities, he was driven by an unwavering conviction that belief invested in a child can change the trajectory of a life – one child, one young person at a time.
During his time in South Bend, Dan extended his calling beyond the YMCA through his work with Soccer Zone, where he continued doing what he had always done best: mentoring the young and creating spaces where the youth felt seen, supported, and capable of more than they imagined. His life’s work has been recognized at many levels with honors such as induction into the Indiana Soccer Hall of Fame and the Kent State University Hall of Fame for Physical Education. What mattered most to him was never the title or award – it was the child who stood in front of him – always with a smile, always happy, always a winner.
At the age of 77, Dan passed away peacefully at his home in Round Rock, Texas, surrounded by family. He is reunited with his beloved mother, Alice Elizabeth Payne, and rests in the care of his Lord and Savior. He leaves behind his greatest life achievement: his wife of 52 years, Barbara Payne, their children, grandchildren, and an extended family that reaches far beyond blood.
He is survived by his children: H.R. Payne (Kelly); Dan Foley (Jona); Jim Foley (Janine); grandchildren: Presley Payne (Blaise), Harper Payne, Bowen Payne, Nikki Foley, Michelle Wright (Billy), Jena DeKastrozza (Matt), Josh Foley (Ian), Jeremy Foley (Kathyrn), and Jami Beckers (Jeff); and great grandchildren: Jensen and Jemma Beckers, Ava Dekastrozza and Aiden Foley.
To honor Dan’s life and the many communities he served, we will gather for a Celebration of Life at a place that reflects his lifelong dedication in serving others with “His gift of love.”
All are welcome – family, friends, colleagues, former teammates, YMCA community members – especially children, and anyone whose life was touched by Dan’s kindness and example. Come to remember, to reconnect, and to celebrate a man whose influence continues through the lives he shaped.
LET’S GOOOOOOOOOO MOUNTAINEERS!!!
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Timothy 4:7