Robert Haynes, Jr.

R.E. Haynes was born on March 13, 1931 to Robert Elbert Haynes Sr. and Mattie Mae Parks Haynes in Wheeler County, TX.  His family moved to Borger, TX in 1935 when he was 4 years old.  His father started R&R Sheet Metal and Machine Shop in November, 1944.  R.E. began working there a year later when he was 14 years old with his father and older brother.  The family business thrived and remained family owned and operated even today by his oldest son.  R.E. contributed to the business until the day his Lord and Savior called him home on September 8, 2021.

He attended schools in Borger until he joined the U.S. Air Force January 8, 1951 at 19 years old and served 4 years at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX.  He earned the rank of Airman First Class and was honorably discharged January 7, 1955.  He was proud to serve his country and took his oath seriously to protect our country until the day he died. He attended Frank Phillips College from 1956-1958 earning his G.E.D. and Associates Degree.

R.E. met the love of his life, Elizabeth Ann McFerrin, in Amarillo, TX in May, 1954 while still in the military.  R.E. and “his Lizzie” were married April 5, 1956.  They joined the First Christian Church in Borger, TX where he served as a deacon for many years.

He was multitalented, was involved in a wide variety of activities, and had many accomplishments throughout his life.  R.E. taught himself to play the trumpet, and he was a tremendous trumpet player.  He played with some visiting name bands while he was in the military.  After the military, he had his own band called “Haynes’s Hyenas”.

He was an avid hunter in his day, and he was a very passionate gunsmith.  He built a pontoon houseboat that was enjoyed by his family and friends for many years on Lake Meredith.  He loved to water ski and snow ski during vacations with his family.  He coached Little League Baseball for at least 10 years, and he also served as president for the Girls Softball League.  R.E. was a Master Mason of the Grand Lodge of Texas for 50 years.  He was one of the founders of the Panhandle American Welding Society and served in several offices for that organization.

R.E. lived his life through his strong beliefs as a Christian, belief that family is the foundation for everything, and his belief to put others first.  He used his sheet metal expertise and built several cross steeples for churches throughout Borger.  He was always selfless and loved everyone.  He constantly thought of the needs of others and helped them in any way that he could.  He cared for the elderly by building metal ramps for their homes.  He contributed to the community of Borger by building metal ramps and railings for schools, and helped with the veteran’s and 9/11 memorials, etc.

R.E. was loved and respected by all.  He was preceded in death by his parents, oldest sister Robbie Fleck and husband Bill, older brother W.C. (Bud) Haynes and wife Joyce, younger brother Richard Don Haynes and wife Marilyn, sister-in-law Hellen Martin and husband Bill, and niece Carmen Shopteese.

R.E. is survived by his wife of 65 years, son Danny Haynes and wife Pat of Borger, son Toby Haynes and wife Sheryl of Argyle, TX , and daughter Tanya Haynes Millard and husband Drew of Mesquite, his younger sister Judy Browning and husband Bill of Midland, brother-in-law Kenneth McFerrin and wife Jan, his grandchildren April Oliver and husband Aaron, Danielle Kilber and husband Alex, Jacy Elizabeth Haynes, Elaine Phillips, Michael Casey and wife April, Justin Kahlich and wife Jody, 7 great grandchildren and a little girl on the way, and many nieces and nephews.

His life will be celebrated at 10 am Monday, September 13, 2021 at Grace Church with graveside following at Highland Park Cemetery under the direction of Minton Chatwell Funeral Directors of Borger.

The family will greet friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Sunday, September 12, 2021 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Wounded Warriors, your favorite charity or favorite church.

Casket Bearers will be Michael Casey, Justin Kahlich, Alex Kilber, Stanley Mann, Aaron Oliver, Eric Shopteese, Brandon Shopteese and Matt Turner.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Employees of R&R Sheet Metal and Machine Shop.