Jan. 22, 1937 — Dec. 19, 2018

Ronald Lee Haines, 81, of Vandalia, died Wednesday morning, Dec. 19, 2018, in his residence.

He was born Jan. 22, 1937, in Vandalia, the second youngest child of Edward and Alma Haines. He first married Hazel Elaine Sossoman. He later married Joan Marlene Davis, who preceded him in death.

Ron worked with his father as a carpenter and later worked as a machinist. He served in the Army and also served as a volunteer police reservist. He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He had served as president of the Michiana Four Wheel Drive Association as well as the Donnell Lake Association. After his retirement, Ron enjoyed woodworking and sold items he had made at craft shows. He liked auctions as well.

Ron was a great father and grandfather. He enjoyed nothing more than gathering with family, friends and neighbors. Ron had a soft spot for feeding birds and stray cats. He was especially fond of his dog, Jake.

Ronald will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by one daughter, Gayl Price, of Union; five sons, Larry (Jamie Fahlsing) Haines, of Mishawaka, Gordon “Bud” (Brenda) Bickel, of Jones, Gary (Kimberly) Haines, of Buchanan, Gregg Bickel, of Vandalia, Carl (Hope) Haines, of Cassopolis; 14 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Dewayne (Irene) Haines, of Monette, Missouri, Jack Haines, of Ocala, Florida; one sister in law, Joyce Haines, of Niles; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Donna Knepple, Delores Morse; and brother, Edward “Bud” Haines. Mr. Haines will be laid to rest in Birch Lake Cemetery in a private graveside service.

Family and friends will gather for a celebration of Ronald’s life on a date and at a time and place to be announced.

The family prefers memorial contributions in Ronald’s memory be made to either, Cass County Council on Aging, Post Office Box 5, Cassopolis, Michigan 49031, or, Donnell Lake Association, 61231 Donnell Roadway East, Vandalia, 49095.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.