Larry L. Payne, 61, of Michigan City passed away peacefully at home on Monday, March 14, 2022. He was born March 9, 1961, in Gary, Indiana to Laren & Mary Lou (Garrett) Payne and attended Portage High School. Larry was the consummate dancer, instructor, and choreographer. His credentials include a performance on the Bolshoi stage in Moscow and an appearance in the Super Mario Brothers movie. Most recently he shared his talents through Lakeshore School of Performing Arts in Michigan City. Larry’s gift of dance will continue to be shared on stages around the world through the scores of students he inspired and dozens of arrangements he choreographed. May his legend bring joy to theater goers for decades to come.
Survivors include his sister, Dawn (Gene) Berghefer of Bardstown, Kentucky, brothers, Gene Payne (Joe Spell) of Lynn Haven, Florida & Darren (Sara) Payne of Michigan City, nieces & nephews, Angie (Daniel) Banaszinski, Kim (Joe) Nather & Mick Berghefer, Jay & Steven Payne, and great nieces & nephews, Austin, Kylie, Alyse & Shelby. He was preceded in death by his father, Laren Payne, mother, Mary Lou Nelson, and stepfather, David Nelson.
Following cremation at Angelcrest Crematory a celebration of Larry’s life will be announced at a later date.
