Howard R. Haynes

Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.), Howard R. Haynes, United States Army, of Williamsburg, Virginia, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2026, at the age of 88. He spent his last hours surrounded by his loving family.

Born on July 31, 1937 in Martinsville, Virginia, Howard was the son of Thomas “Bernard” Haynes and Laura “Nettie” Richardson Haynes. He graduated from the University of Richmond in 1962. At U of R, he was an active member of Theta Chi fraternity. Howard earned his Master’s Degree from Western Maryland College in 1975.

Howard served in the US Army for 26 years until he retired in 1988. He began his service as a Green Beret in the 6th Special Forces Group. He then completed one tour in Vietnam, where he was a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division. Howard earned a Vietnam Service Medal with four bronze service stars and a Vietnam Gallantry Cross during his tour. He later served his country by teaching ROTC at Western Maryland College and then was assigned to support the SALT talks in Geneva, Switzerland. He finished his military career working with TRADOC at Fort Monroe, Virginia. Among Howard’s many decorations were the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Air Medal with Numeral 3.

After retiring from the Army, Howard was an entrepreneur who provided computer and financial services to businesses in Williamsburg and Newport News, Virginia. Beyond his professional life, he was a Silver Life Master Bridge player, golfer, and puzzle enthusiast. He was also an avid water sportsman who swam, sailed, and water skied and shared his passion for these activities with others as a willing and patient teacher. Howard will be remembered for his quick wit, his entertaining stories, and his smooth dance moves.

Above all, Howard was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and uncle who took immense pride and joy in his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Lois “Marie” Moore Haynes; his daughters, Renee J. Haynes and Anjanette Haynes; his granddaughters, Emma Crawford and Lillian Crawford; his sister, Gwen Farmer; and a host of devoted nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Tommy Haynes, Doug Haynes, and Donald Haynes; and his sister, Mary Haynes Akers.

A memorial service will be held June 17, 2026 at 11 AM at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, 215 Richmond Rd, Williamsburg, Virginia with a reception to follow. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery to follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Olde Towne Medical and Dental Center (https://www.otmdc.org/) in Williamsburg.