Edward Jay Haynes

Edward Jay Haynes was born to Russell and Edna (Harms) Haynes on November 10, 1949 in Alma, Michigan. He peacefully passed away on June 25, 2024, at the age of 74 after a short battle with cancer.

Dad’s childhood was spent on the family farm near Middleton, Michigan. He received his education at the local Fulton School.

Dad committed his life to God and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite on February 26, 1964, by Min. Don Seiler. His faith in God was meaningful to him throughout his life, and we are grateful for the Christian example he left us. This was especially evident as he quietly accepted his cancer diagnosis.

Ed was married to Anita Eck on March 15, 1970, at Copeland Kansas, sharing fifty-four years together. Dad was in 1-W service in Tulsa OK at the time of their wedding. The friendships made with the young men during this time were very precious to Dad.

Folks returned to Michigan and made their home on a dairy farm near Middleton. We three children joined them there and spent many happy years working together as a family. Dad was a whistler and we remember him whistling as he worked.

Dad loved to farm and made this his lifelong occupation. In retirement his woodshop blessed him in many ways, and he found pleasure in giving away the things he made.

Dad was ordained to the deaconry on February 22, 1987, by Min. John Haynes. He endeavored to be faithful to this calling, and especially enjoyed his years on the U.S.A. Mission Board. He cherished the friendships made during that time.

Singing was an important part of Dad’s life and God often spoke to him through song. Many happy hours were spent singing with the Tulsa boys and also the Haynes Quartet.

Family was important to Dad. He had his own special way of making us all feel loved.

Ed is survived by his wife Anita; one son, Troy and Wendy Haynes; two daughters, Teresa and Mervin Seiler and Andrea and Vince Nightingale, all of Michigan; 14 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Siblings: Vada Litwiller and Kendall and Joyce Haynes all of Michigan; Jerry and Bonnie Haynes, Glenn California. Anita’s family; Judy Sigafoose, Evie and Galen Litwiller, Bonnie and Jerry Haynes, Harold and Latayne Eck, Barbara Unruh, Jeanette and Milton Koehn, Carol and Doug Seiler, Steven and Leoney Eck, Helen Redding, Charles and Bethany Eck, Mitzi and Paul Dykast, Ernest and Patricia Eck, along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, two siblings, four brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 10:30 A.M. at the Mt. Calm Mennonite Church with Ministers Sam Unruh Jr., James Leid, Darin Litwiller, and Jeff Litwiller officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday from 2 P.M. to 4 P.M. and 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. at the church. Burial will take place at the Mt. Calm Mennonite Cemetery.

Those desiring may make contributions in Ed’s memory to Maple View Retirement Community 4396 S. Luce Road, Ithaca, MI 48847.