Buddy Haynes

Services to honor and celebrate the life of Buddy Haynes will be 10:00 am Thursday, August 15, 2019 at RiverCrest Chapel. A graveside service will follow at 1:00 pm at Green Hill Cemetery, Muskogee.

Born September 10, 1931 in Ft. Smith, Arkansas, William "Buddy" Haynes was the son of Harvey Haynes and Frances (Reed) Haynes. At a young age, Buddy moved to Guthrie, Oklahoma where he was reared and educated. Buddy grew up with an interest in rebuilding and improving things. Such as the bicycle he rode to throw newspapers. At just twelve years old, Buddy learned how to put a motor on his bike, resulting in the birth of his homemade motorcycle.

During his school years, Buddy, with the help of his teacher, built a black, model t Cadillac. Buddy, his teacher and principal were the only ones in the entire school who were fortunate enough to have cars.

Upon his high years, Buddy enlisted in U.S. Army during the Korean War where he worked as an airplane mechanic. Buddy became acquainted with the pilots, who sometimes would report to morning duty with a hangover. They would have him join in the cockpit and talk him through a flight. This was the beginning of his love for flying. Buddy was honorably discharged in 1954.

Buddy received his pilot's license in 1960. He was a designated pilot examiner for the FAA. Buddy was a businessman; he owned an aerial advertising company, flying banners behind his plane over the OU Stadium. He also owned a trucking company where he worked as a long-haul truck driver.

Vice-president of the Okie Twister Aerobatics Club, Buddy purchased his first aerobatic plane, a Citabria, in 1966. "Flying is just a way of life and flying upside down and sideways and dancing around up there in the sky is just a part of flying"- Buddy Haynes

When not working, Buddy was busy rebuilding and restoring planes, cars and golf carts. He had a passion for riding motorcycles and was the proud owner of a Harley for many years.

Buddy and Wallena met through a mutual friend and were married on March 27, 1977 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Las Vegas became a favorite vacation spot for the couple. In retirement, the couple moved to Mission, Texas where they lived on the Rio Grande Valley for more than 30 years. They managed several resort properties where Buddy was the maintenance supervisor.

On August 7, 2019, Buddy passed away at the age of 87. Those he leaves to cherish his memory are: wife, Wallena Haynes of Tulsa; children, Jeanne Snelson, Jim Haynes and Brent Haynes; step-children, Ron Keith, Stephen Keith and Mark Keith; grandchildren, Ryan Keith, Sarah Warren, Rachel Haynes, Cameron Haynes, Sherman Tyler Haynes, Mallory Snelson Moran and Travis Haynes; step-grandchildren, Christopher Keith, Casey Keith and Travis Keith; five great granddaughters; sisters, Kathryn Johnson and Mary George.

He was preceded in death by his parents.