Rev. Joseph Maurice Haynes, fondly known as Joe, was born on November 6, 1963, in Lovington, New Mexico and passed away peacefully on October 11, 2024, at Coleman County Medical Center in Coleman, Texas. Joe’s life journey took him across various landscapes, but his heart belonged to Coleman, where he made his mark as a beloved community figure.
Joe embarked on his broadcast career at the tender age of seventeen, beginning at KCTI in Gonzales, Texas. His talents and dedication led him to Coleman, where he became a familiar voice on KSTA radio. For years, families in Coleman relied on Joe to bring them the morning news, weather updates, and their favorite country music. His unwavering support for small businesses and organizations made him a cherished member of the community. Joe was a vibrant part of significant local events, including the Coleman Rodeo, Fiesta De Paloma, and Great Western Trail Days, engaging with the community in ways that left lasting impressions.
In 2012, Joe took on one of his proudest roles as the pastor of Leaday Baptist Church. His dedication to teaching Scripture and guiding others toward faith was deeply meaningful to him and those he served. Joe’s loving and generous spirit resonated with all who crossed his path. Despite facing numerous struggles throughout his life, his unwavering faith in his Lord and Savior shone brightly in every aspect of his life, serving as an inspiration to many.
Joe was proud of his educational accomplishments, having graduated high school in Gonzales in 1982. He furthered his education at Howard Payne University in Brownwood and Texas State University in San Marcos.
March 5th, 2015, at 1:10pm, Joe forever became, “Papa Joe” to his best friend and partner in crime Cody Vaughn Mair, if Joe was not working or preaching the word of God to people, he was spending time with his Code Man! Out of all the accomplishments in his life, by far being Papa Joe to Cody was his proudest achievement.
Beyond his remarkable career, Joe cherished time spent with his family. He enjoyed tasty food, good music, and the simple pleasure of watching a good movie. He is survived by his children, Daniel Haynes and partner Lexi Olinger of Coleman and Caitlyn Mair and husband Blaik of Brownwood. Joe held immense love for his grandchildren, Cody Mair, Wyatt Olinger, Scout Olinger, and one on the way. He also leaves behind his beloved mother, Jackie Benge and husband Red of Weatherford, and his brothers, James Gary Haynes and wife Kim of Gonzales and Luke Haynes and wife Ashtyn of Weatherford. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and his devoted church family will continue to honor his legacy.
Joe’s life will always be remembered for his compassion and commitment to community service, exemplified by his involvement as a member of the EDC Board for over eleven years, the Coleman Christian Coalition, the Masonic Lodge #30 in Gonzales, and the Coleman Chamber of Commerce. His numerous accolades, including Coleman Citizen of the Year, Rural Citizen of the Year, and the Regional Fellowship of Christian Athletes Award, are a testament to the profound impact he had on those around him.
Joe is preceded in death by his father, James Gary Haynes; his brother, John David Haynes; his sister, Debra Jean Sowell; his niece, Heather Lee; his nephew, Luke Haynes; and, holding true to his sense of humor, his right leg.
The family will host a visitation from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel, 400 W. Pecan Street, in Coleman. Family and friends are invited to a funeral service celebrating his remarkable life at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at the Bill Franklin Center, 13152 Texas Highway 206, in Coleman. Interment will follow in Trickham Cemetery. Services are entrusted to Stevens Funeral Home in Coleman.
The family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be made in memory of Joe to Leaday Baptist Church, c/o Joan Jones, 1904 County Road 332, Gouldbusk, Texas 76845 or to Coleman Senior Center, P.O. Box 785, Coleman, Texas 76834.
If Joe were signing off the air one last time, he would want you to know a few things. He would say do not sweat the small stuff, I love you, God loves you, and always be kind to one another.
We invite you to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Haynes family by signing the guestbook on Joe’s tribute page at www.stevensfuneralhome.com. Stevens Funeral Home is honored to serve the Haynes family.
2 Timothy 4:7-8 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
