Norman Haines

Obituary of Norman William Haines

Norman William Haines, Sr. was born on November 3, 1917 in Gladwin, Michigan. He was one of eleven children born from the union of the late James Haines and the late Mary (Ballard) Haines. Norman enlisted in the United States Army in 1945 and served as an installation repairman until he was honorably discharged in 1946.

Norm married the love of his life, Letha Mae Brown on August 20, 1938 at the Carleton Methodist Church in Carleton, Michigan. From this union, came the birth of their children. To support his family, he worked hard for many years doing various jobs at Kahlbaum Bros Grain Elevator.

Norm was very active in the community being a 4H leader for many years, an 11 gallon blood donor to the American Red Cross, a trustee on the Ash township board as well as working on the elections. This made him the “go to” person with his family when they needed any political advising. He enjoyed being outdoors tending to his yard and splitting wood. He enjoyed collecting coins, reading, puzzles and his visits to Florida. Even at 99, he still had a drivers license.

Above anything else, Norm was a family man. He was strong, loving, and was the best dad & grandfather. He will forever be remembered by his family for notoriously quoting poems and randomly singing his old school songs. He was loved by all and will be missed by many.

Norman William Haines, Sr., age 100, of Carleton, Michigan, passed away Friday, December 8, 2017 at his home surrounded by family under the care of Promedica Hospice. He was preceded in death by his wife Letha Mae; his daughter Helen Mae (the late Robert) Jackman, his son Cecil Earnest Haines, his grandson Brian and his parents.

To cherish his memory, he leaves behind his children: Linda (the late Merritt) Ostrander and Norm Jr. and daughter in law Penny Haines, his sisters: Jane Mercer and Arlene Hare; his grandchildren: Debbie, Robert, Mary, Melissa and Claudia; 11 great grandchildren; 8 ½ great-great grandchildren and many extended family members and friends.

Friends may gather on Sunday, December 10, 2017 from 2:00pm until 8:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, MI 48162 (734)384-5185. A celebration of his life will be held at 12:00pm on Monday, December 11, 2017 also at Merkle Funeral Service officiated by Pastor Amy Triebwasser of Flat Rock United Methodist Church. Burial will take place privately at Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice.