Richard Wayne Haynes

Richard Wayne Haynes
01/12/1945 ~ 10/08/2025

Richard Haynes, 80 years of age, died October 08, 2025

Richard was born on January 12th, 1945 to George L. and Sylvia Haynes in St. Louis, MO. The youngest of eight children, Richard enjoyed a carefree childhood rich with family activities. Many of his fondest memories were of visiting with his extended family of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins; watching his personal heroes (his brothers and sisters) excelling in various sports and interacting with their peers and learning from his parents.

Active in sports and interested in learning, Richard received offers, both athletic and scholastic, to attend various midwestern universities. However, when the opportunity presented itself to attend, the then recently founded, Air Force Academy (AFA), he didn't hesitate in accepting.

Entering the AFA in 1963, Richard was later to observe that the next few years were overall the most challenging of his life. Graduating with the AFA's 9th class (1967), Richard entered commissioned duty with the AF's Offices of Special Investigations (OSI). Serving two years as a criminal investigator at Travis AFB, CA and two years as a Center Intelligence Officer at Da Nang AB, RSVN Richard separated from active duty in 1971 as a captain.

Richard subsequently entered Arizona State University earning an MA degree in Educational Psychology. In 1976, Richard joined the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF). During the ensuing 21 years, Richard held progressively more responsible positions retiring in 1997 as ATF's special Agent in charge of their Houston Field Division.

In 1981-82 while assigned to ATF's Las Vegas, NV office, Richard met and married the love of his life, Patricia (Meeham) Haynes. At the date of her passing, they had enjoyed 42 and a half years of love and blessed companionship together.

A viewing will be held for Richard on October 14, 2025, from 10:00 - 10:45 a.m. at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 South Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 -12:00 p.m. Burial will be on October 15, 2025, at the Tonaquint Cemetery, at 11:00 a.m.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 South Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454.

Richard was a beloved brother, brother-in-law, and uncle. He leaves behind his family in St. Louis, MO and in California. He will be sorely missed by many.

Family and friends are invited to view Richard's full obituary and sign his online guest book at www.SpilsburyMortuary.com