William Martin Haines, Sr.

William Martin Haines, 87, died peacefully on Thursday morning, April 4, 2013, at Veteran’s Administration Central Iowa Health Facility in Des Moines. The cause of death was congestive heart failure and chronic kidney disease, following an extended illness.

William was born August 17, 1925, to Martin Noah and Maude Belle Haines, the youngest of five children. He was a lifelong resident of Des Moines, a Lincoln High School graduate, and a member of Windsor Presbyterian Church. On June 26, 1943, William was married to Marjorie Ellen Shaw, and together they raised three sons, William M. Haines II, Joe R. Haines, and Robert L. Haines.

On October 28, 1943, William enlisted in the United States Navy, and served in the South Pacific as a member of the 33rd Special Naval Construction Battalion in New Guinea and at Guiuan in Samar, the Philipines. He achieved the rank of 1st Class Petty Officer prior to his discharge on January 12, 1946. Following his tour of duty in the Navy, he was employed first as a meter reader, then Purchasing Agent and finally Head of Central Stores for the Des Moines Water Works. He became a Mason in 1947 and attended Pioneer and Waveland Lodges.

William was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Marjorie, two brothers and two sisters, his first son, William Martin Haines II, and his grandson, James E. Haines. He is survived by his two sons, Joe R. Haines (Kathy) and Robert Haines; four grandchildren, William M. Haines III, Carmen (Rick) Goodwin, Christy (Scott) McGriff, and Carrie (Scott) Hamilton; five great-grandchildren, Collin McGriff, Lauren McGriff, Brady McGriff, Macy Goodwin, and Maggie Hamilton; and by many loving and devoted nieces and nephews.

A visitation for William will be held Monday, April 8, 2013, from 5 to 7 pm, at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. Graveside services will be performed 10 am, Tuesday, April 9, 2013, at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 7601 Fleur Drive.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Kavanagh House on 56th Street.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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