Charles Haines

Charles A. Haines was a robust man with a warm heart that grew more tender as the years went by, because his family grew. With each generation, Charles was happy to shower his care and affection on children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was interested in traveling anywhere a car could take him and felt at home wherever he could be with the ones he loved.

Charles was born to David and Alma (Hoffman) Haines in Lansing, Michigan at a time when America was emerging from the First World War and regaining industrial strength. Charles Lindbergh had made his historic transatlantic flight and Henry Ford was putting Michigan on the forefront of automobile production. Alongside Detroit, Lansing played a prominent role in car manufacturing, and it was the birthplace of Charlie on October 12, 1928. He was the youngest of four children—Dorothy, Thelma and Clarence—growing up on a dairy farm in Holt, which his father ran while also working as a tool and die maker.

In 1947, the family moved to Vicksburg, a difficult transition for a teenager to make. Still, Charlie graduated from Vicksburg High in 1948 and met the woman who would become his wife. He was introduced to Joan through a mutual friend who actually switched dates with him. No one seemed to mind, and as a result, Charlie and Joan formed a loving relationship that culminated in marriage on September 2, 1950.

From their union, five children were born to Charlie and Joan: Richard “Dick”, David, Dean, Debbie and Susan. When the children were young, the family traveled to many places in their camper. One destination became a family tradition: every Memorial Day for 25 years, they went to Jordan River Valley to hunt mushrooms. As a dad, Charlie may have been rough and tough on the outside, but on the inside he was really a teddy bear, especially toward his daughters.

For 38 years, Charlie worked as a machine tender at the paper mill in Vicksburg. He was a dedicated worker but an even more devoted husband. In retirement, he and Joan took to traveling to Polk City, Florida in their Avion Camper. Joan liked the spot so much that they decided to sell the trailer and buy a permanent place in the park. It didn’t matter if they were North or South, the two of them enjoyed life whether playing cards, listening to country musicians like Johnny Cash and George Jones or going to car shows.

Charlie was a car and motorcycle enthusiast to say the least. He loved Fords and anyone who drove one. In his lifetime, Charlie owned more Fords than any other vehicle, but his favorite car was a GM 1979 Pontiac. Classic cars were a fascination to Charlie, and every year he attended the Vicksburg Old Car Show. He was also a big fan of NASCAR, and it showed in his driving habits. Charlie was always ready to drag race, even just at a traffic light!

In 1999, Joan passed away after nearly 50 years of marriage to her beloved Charlie. He found companionship in a woman who had also lost her husband, and interestingly, it was Charlie and Joan who had introduced Beverly to her husband. In 2000, Charlie and Beverly married and had 15 years together, enjoying family (especially grandchildren) and good times as far away as Polk City in the place Charlie knew as his “home away from home.”

Charles A. Haines of Portage, Michigan, formerly Vicksburg, passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at the age of 86. He is survived by his wife Beverly; four children: Richard “Dick” (Sue) Haines, of Vicksburg; David (Kelly) Haines, of Tecumseh; Debbie (George) Henderson, of Scotts; Susan (Philip) Richards, of Scotts; 17 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother: Clarence (Margaret) Haines, of Vicksburg. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Joan; son, Dean; granddaughter, Amanda Myers; two sisters: Dorothy and Thelma.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 6th, 2015 at 11AM at the Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene, 7520 East U Ave, Vicksburg. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial of his ashes will take place at the Vicksburg Cemetery.

Please visit Charles’ webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read his life story, sign the guestbook, share a memory and/or photo. Those who wish may make contributions to the American Cancer Society and/or Lupus Foundation of America.