Michael Leon Haines

Michael L. Haines, 81 of Eldon, MO went to meet his Lord and Savior on October 22, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family.  He was born in Ottumwa, IA on October 18, 1943 to his parents Russell Haines and Marjorie Hartly McCarty.  Upon graduating in 1961 from OHS he furthered his education at Northeast MO State Teacher’s College.  He graduated in 1965 with a BSE in Social Science and later a Masters in Administration from Truman University.  He met the love of his life Betty L. Pratt and eight days later they were united in marriage on July 6, 1968.

He started his Teaching Career at East Buchanan HS in Winthrop, IA teaching Social Sciences.  Wanting to be closer to his hometown, Ottumwa, he accepted a teaching position at Hedrick HS in Hedrick, IA.  While there he taught Social Science, Drivers ED, Counseling, and Coaching.  It was there that he had the privilege of coaching and extraordinary group of young men that became the 1971 Cross Country State Champions.  Wanting to keep the kids off the street and give them a place to hang out after school and with the assistance of a few students he opened “A Place to Bee.”  Kids could play arcade games, pool, have a snack, or get help with homework in a safe and healthy atmosphere.

He left education for a couple of years, but his passion was always working with young people.  His desire was not to just educate, but to enable them to be successful in life.

He returned to education for one school year at Paris, MO before accepting the Secondary and Elementary Principalship at Miller County R111 in Tuscumbia, MO.  He said he would only stay two years and then move back closer to his hometown of Ottumwa.  However, after one year he fell in love with the students and the community and stayed eighteen school terms, retiring the first time in 2000.  Upon retiring as Principal, he returned the next school term as a part-time Social Study and Drivers Ed Teacher, he then went to Boys Town in St. James, MO as a house parent.  Then he drove the Head Start bus and the Blood Bank Mobile.  He returned to Tuscumbia to lead the after-School program for three years and ended his years in education as a School Bus Driver for Eldon R1 School District.

He loved coaching, golfing and traveling.  One of his goals was to travel to as many places that he taught about in his history classes.  He traveled to all 50 States at least once, 15 Countries in Europe, Costa Rica, Canada and Mexico.  He was an active member of Eldon First Assembly of God Church.

Surviving is his wife; Son, Marcus (Joan Glass) of Eldon, MO; step-brothers, George Brown of Ottumwa, IA; Danny (Crystal) McCarty of Ottumwa, IA; step-sister, Becky Baker of Ottumwa, IA; sister-in-law, Diane (Tom) Box of Fairfield, IA; brother-in-law, Phil Pratt of Bloomfield, IA; and several nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents; infant brother, Patrick; Step-Father, Donald McCarty; Step-Mother, Jane Haines; brother-in-law, Gene Pratt; daughter, Melissa Lei.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024 from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Eldon First Assembly of God.  A celebration of life will also be held at Eldon First Assembly of God on East View Street in Eldon, MO on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 10:30 AM.  Graveside Memorial Service will be held at a later date at Shaul Cemetery in Ottumwa, IA.

Memorials can be made to the Children’s Ministry at Eldon First Assembly of God.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon, MO.    

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