Sunrise: September 13, 1930 – Sunset: September 26, 2024
Grover Calvin Haynes was born on September 13, 1930, in Waterproof, Louisiana, and passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 26, 2024, in Seattle, Washington. He was the oldest of eight children born to Cleveland Haynes, Sr., and Esteller Fletcher Haynes, who instilled in him and his siblings the importance of faith, family, education, and a high work ethic.
He attended Southern University before being drafted into the military to serve in the Korean War. After serving his country, Haynes was hired as an engineer with the Boeing Company in Renton, Washington, where he retired after a 41-year career. During his time at Boeing, a mutual acquaintance introduced Haynes to his beloved wife, Wanda, whom he was married to for 68 years. Wanda and Grover have two children, Glenna and Gerilyn, and six grandchildren.
Haynes was an avid reader, enjoyed spending time with family, friends, and colleagues, and was a passionate traveler who loved road trips. He often took his wife and daughters on summer road trips to visit family and friends. One summer, he drove across the country with his daughter, Glenna, to take her to college at Southern University.
Haynes also liked to fish and often went charter fishing with his out-of-town friends and family when they visited Seattle. Wanda and his daughter, Gerilyn, also accompanied him on a few fishing trips. Haynes’ favorite hobby was tending to his rose garden. He was very proud of how beautiful and vibrant his roses were and always gave his wife the prettiest ones.
Haynes was very invested in serving his community, holding leadership positions in various community organizations. His commitment to community service was evident through his involvement in coaching little-league baseball and numerous school board and Parent Teachers Association meetings at Madrona and Whitworth Elementary Schools and Franklin High School. He was a Southern University Alumni Federation-Seattle-Puget Sound Chapter member, President of the Southeast Seattle Crime Prevention Council and the Genesee Merchants Association, and Executive Board Member for the Columbia Lakewood Community Church and the Lakewood Seward Park Community Club. Haynes served as Vice President of the Rainier Valley Historical Society and on the Advisory Board for the Seattle Police Department’s South Precinct as a Committee Member for the City Light Rate Advisory Committee and the Municipal League Transportation and Issues Committee.
In recognition of his lengthy commitment to public service, Haynes received the Jefferson Award for Public Service in 2004 from the Black Law Enforcement Association of Washington. He was also awarded the John L. O’Brien Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009 by the O’Brien family.
Haynes’ devotion to his faith, family, and community touched the lives of many. He had an impactful and fulfilling life, leaving a legacy of service and dedication, and will be truly missed.
Haynes is survived by his wife of 68 years, Wanda; Daughters, Glenna Haynes and Gerilyn (Adam) Myers; Grandsons, Adam Myers, Jr., Derek Winfield, and Airik Myers; Granddaughters, Derilyn Winfield, Danelle Winfield, and Alexandria Myers; Sisters, Minnie Martin, Katie Wright and Estella (Ron) Swann; Sisters-in-Law, Malver Haynes, Willa (Don) Evans and Audrey Haynes; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
