Michael "Mike" M. Payonk SR, age 87, US Naval Veteran, of Hammond, passed away Monday, September 15, 2014.

Beloved father of Michael (Mary) Payonk JR of Hammond and Jeffery (Peggy)Payonk of Hammond. Proud grandpa Nicole (Mike Holly) Bierman of Griffith, Natalie (Jason) Sessions of Champaign-Urbana, IL, Geoffery (Jennifer) Payonk of Hammond, and Jill (Brian) Sherwood of Lowell. Dearest great-grandpa of Nathan Payonk, Jacob Payonk, Andrew Sherwood, Brooklynne Sherwood, Lola Sessions, and Fiona Sessions. Cherished brother of Joseph (late Adele) Payonk, Gene (Mary) Payonk, Rose (Bob) Pawloski, Delores (late John) Excell, and late John (Marge) Payonk. Fond uncle to many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his wife Betty May Payonk and his parents John J. and Mary Payonk nee Gruczewiez.

Mike was a 64 year member of the Hammond Elks 485, an avid bowler, golfer, and a lifelong Sinatra fan.