John L. Haynes

John Lee Haynes was born to Frank F. and Maude (Brown) Haynes on June 14, 1933, the youngest of nine siblings. Just one week after his wife Bonita’s passing, his wish to “meet you in the morning” was granted to him when he slipped away peacefully on February 28, 2021, at Arbor Grove Assisted Living in Alma, Michigan. Dad’s whole life, with the exception of his 1-W Service in Roseburg, Oregon, was spent in Gratiot County, Michigan. At the age of 13, he gave his heart to the Lord and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite on March 7, 1946, by Minister Reuben Koehn. On January 24, 1954, Dad was married to our mother Bonita Nichols at Fairview, Oklahoma. Less than one year later he was drafted, and they moved to Roseburg, where he served as an Aide in the Veteran’s Hospital. Many lasting friendships were formed and memories were made during this time. Upon their return to Michigan, they built a new home on his father’s farm, and in time their two sons were born. Dad occupied himself with poultry farming and hauling eggs. On December 12, 1967, Dad answered the call and was ordained to the Gospel Ministry. His loyal commitment was evident for over 45 years. As a minister, he was blessed with many enduring friendships and relationships. His preaching and counseling are well remembered for the wealth of short, witty statements he often quoted, endearing him to his listeners. Singing was an integral part of Dad’s life, at school, at home with his sisters, later with various quartet arrangements, and finally as an enthused listener to the singing provided via broadcast. We are grateful to all who provided inspiration for the lonely, especially during this last year. Special thanks to “his boys”, the nephews who often sing in the Haynes Quartet. In the last days of December 2019, Dad suffered a fall that required emergency treatment, and he left his home never to return. Dad’s last 14 months were spent in the hospital briefly, in rehab and skilled nursing care, and finally in Assisted Living; stays that were made challenging by the year’s restrictions. During this time, he appreciated his caregivers; asking many of them about their walk with the Lord, praying with them and pointing them to Jesus and heaven. Through it all he endeavored to keep his “submitter” well oiled. We are humbled by his example. Left with this legacy are two sons: Mark and Lynette of Middleton, Michigan, Sheldon and Gayle of Uvalde, Texas. Grandchildren: Joni and Michael Gearig, Melissa and Jay Burns, Stephanie and Jason Warkentin, and Michael Haynes and Andreé Haynes, five great-grandchildren, his extended Haynes and Nichols families, and many friends and acquaintances. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, March 4, 2021, at 10:30 A.M. at the Mt. Calm Mennonite Church with Ministers Michael Litwiller, James Leid, and Darin Litwiller officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 2 P.M. to 4 P.M. and 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. at the church. Burial will take place in the Mt Calm Mennonite Church cemetery.