James Haynes

James R. "Rex" Haynes, 82, of Whitewater died Sunday, Nov. 14, 2004, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born July 16, 1922, at Crump, son of Silas and Zora Swain Haynes. He and Lucille E. Thoma were married Feb. 25, 1943. She died Oct. 16, 2002.

Haynes began his military career July 16, 1942. He served in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army during World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War eras. He was a sergeant first class and worked as a computer communications specialist. He retired from the Army in 1965 and became a telecommunication specialist with Civil Service in St. Louis. He retired in 1984 and moved to Whitewater.

He was a member of Whitewater United Methodist Church, a lay leader, and served on numerous committees. He was a member and past worshipful master of Whitewater Masonic Lodge 417, past patron of Whitewater Chapter 174 Order of Eastern Star, member of Scottish Rite and Moolah Shrine in St. Louis, and the local High Twelve.

Survivors include a son, Robert "Bob" Haynes of Whitewater, and two brothers, Dale Haynes of Osceola, Fla., and William Haynes of Toledo, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by a brother and a sister.

Friends may call at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday.

A Masonic service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home. The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home, with the Rev. Mike Eighmy officiating. Burial will be in Whitewater Methodist Cemetery, with graveside military honors.