Major John L. Haynes (Ret.)

Major John L. Haynes, age 93, passed peacefully in his Monticello home on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. The “Major” was a great man and devoted American patriot who completed 30 years of military service in the US Marine Corps, followed by almost 50 years of volunteer service to his fellow Veterans and their families. His military service included combat duty in WW II, Korea and Vietnam. His deep patriotic commitment dates back to his childhood, where he participated daily in actions that contributed to the national war effort: creating victory gardens, collecting scrap iron and steel, participating in the war Bond effort, and joining the Civil Air Patrol at the age of 13.

At the most fundamental level of his nature, the Major’s military and civilian contributions reflected his deep love for our nation and our way of life. He represented the epitome of selfless service to his country and fellow citizens. At age 93, he continued participation in 11 military service organizations and remained active assisting Veterans and military widows in obtaining their disability benefits. His work also included visiting the gravesites of fallen heroes with a group of retired Veteran friends.

Major Haynes was internationally recognized as a great leader and innovator in his military occupation specialty of Explosive Ordinance Disposal. He was known for devising and instituting new demolition techniques and procedures that led to significant casualty reductions. He was a great leader who led his troops, both military and civilian, in a bold, decisive and energetic style, which inspired the loyalty and respect of all.

His military and civilian awards are too numerous to list, some of the most highly recognized ones include: The Purple Heart, The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Gold Star and Combat “V”, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, 3 stars, 2 Presidential Unit Citations, 3 Awards of the Navy Unit Citation, Combat Action Ribbon, China Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Cross of Gallantry the Silver Star (Vietnam). He was inducted into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame in 2013, received the Governor’s Medal of Merit in 2017, was selected by Governor Scott to represent him in Washington DC for the signing of the “VA Mission Act of 2018”, and he received the DAR Medal of Honor March of 2022.

Major Haynes was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Louise Peake, in 1985. He is survived by his son, John L. Haynes, Jr., of Warsaw, VA, and daughter, Susan Elizabeth Haynes-Carabello of Monticello, as well as his brother, Nelson Haynes of Riverview, FL. His life honored his entire loving family, which included the Williamson, Peake and Haynes clans.

A visitation for Major Haynes will be held Sunday, December 10, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, 1737 Riggins Rd, Tallahassee, Florida 32308. A graveside service will occur Monday, December 11, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Tallahassee National Cemetery, 5015 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, Florida 32311.

The family requests donations to be made in Major Haynes' name to the Marine Corps Detachment #472,

P.O. Box 5284, Tallahassee, FL 32314.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.