Wayne Franklin Haynes of Inez, Texas, passed away on April 23, 2026, at the age of 82. He was born on October 8, 1943, in Vanderbilt, Texas, to the late Louis Nicholas “Smokey” Haynes and Cynthia Elsie Alberta Branscum Haynes. He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Jeanelle Birmingham Haynes; and his brothers Clarence Haynes, Martis Haynes, and Robert Haynes.
Wayne devoted 34 years of service to the Brownson Home for Children in Victoria, Texas, where he worked as a Program Director and childcare provider. His dedication, compassion, and steady guidance touched the lives of countless children who passed through the home.
He also spent many years coaching basketball at St. Joseph’s High School in Victoria and Sacred Heart High School in Hallettsville. He truly loved the game of basketball and took great pride in teaching players the fundamentals behind the sport.
Outside of coaching, Wayne was deeply involved in showing and hunting with his UKC/AKC- registered American Treeing Walker Coonhounds. One of his proudest accomplishments was winning a World Championship title with his dog “Chief”- a moment forever captured in a framed photograph displayed in his living room.
A loyal supporter of local athletics, Wayne attended many games at his Alma Mater, the Industrial Cobras, as well as numerous high school teams across the region. He shared his love of sports with everyone he met and never missed an opportunity to cheer on young athletes. He will be greatly missed.
Wayne is survived by his daughter, Melissa Roessler (husband Ricky) of Inez, son Brian Haynes of San Antonio; his brothers Harold Haynes of New Braunfels and Herbert Haynes of Waco; grandchildren Ashley Opiela (husband Michael), Aubrey Weinsoft (husband Austin), Garrett Roessler, McKenna Haynes, Luke Haynes, and Ainsley Haynes; six great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026 beginning at 9 AM with a rosary to be recited at 9:30 AM and the funeral Mass at 10 AM all at Holy Family Catholic Church. Following a reception burial will be in Farrer Cemetery near Inez.
