Joseph Wayne Haynes, 67, passed away Monday, October 1, 2012 at his home in Muncie.
Joseph was born December 30, 1944 in Jackson, Michigan to the late Robert and Winifred Haynes. Joseph grew up in Portland, IN and Brooklyn, Michigan.
Joseph joined the United States Marine Corp. and became a sniper because of his excellent shooting ability. He was a member of the National Rifle Association. In the 70’s he was president of the Isaac Walton Gun League in Yorba Linda, California. He authored several books, but was never published, other than his poetry.
Joseph lived in several states including California, where he met his wife Sharon on May 19, 1963 and married her on July 19, 1963. He also lived in Colorado, Texas, Arkansas, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, and finally, Indiana.
Joseph was awarded the Spirit of Chief Munsee Award and was appointed head of the Art Council by Muncie’s Mayor, David Dominick. He also wrote the city poem, “My Hometown” which hung in the mayor’s office until it was remodeled.
Joseph learned to read and write when he was 43 years old and found the ability and love for writing poetry. His loving wife helped him with his reading problems, his dyslexia, and his medical problems.
He was awarded lifelong Poet Laureate of the city of Muncie. He was honored by the Indiana General Assembly House Resolution 21, offered by the House of Representative David Wenger, for his literary achievement and community involvement. He was also a member of the Muncie Poet Club.
He was recognized nationally with a 1992 Golden Poet Award for his Poem, “Willing to Try”. He had been inducted into the literary rank’s prestigious organizations as the Homer Honor Society and the Amherst Society.
On April 23, 1997, the State of Indiana General Assembly and House of Representatives concurrently presented Joseph with a resolution honoring him as a poet in his fight against illiteracy, rebounded from his illiteracy to become a noted wordsmith and poet. He was encouraged by former First Lady Barbara Bush and the National Campaign for literacy that she promoted. He received letters of encouragement from First Lady Barbara Bush. He authored many poems including “Point of Light” for Mrs. Bush in 1987 and “My Friend” for President Clinton to give to First Lady Hillary and “Tomorrow Child” for Vice-President Al Gore.
He wrote the poem “Forgotten Faces”, and orchestrated the poetry mural adjacent to the Housing Authority, which was dedicated with a celebration on June 5, 1995. The Poetry mural still stands, although the letters have faded, it was one of Joseph’s proudest accomplishments.
He received many honors from various organizations for his war against illiteracy and also received seven proclamations from the City of Muncie.
Joseph also loved playing golf and became a Master Golf Club Maker. He made custom golf clubs and loved anything to do with golf. He did this until his neurological disease, Myasthenia Gravis, kept him from continuing.
Joseph is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Sharon Haynes; two children, Sheri Nichols (husband Tony) of Wisconsin and Joseph Haynes Jr. (wife Melissa) of Warren, IN; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Joseph was preceded in death by a brother, Robert W. Haynes Jr.
There will be no public services.
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