March 23, 1950 – July 9, 2026

The Rev. Richard Brown Haynes, (Dick), 76, of Kirkwood, MO passed away peacefully at home on July 9, 2026. The beloved husband of Cindy (Hard) Haynes, sons Ben (Betsey) of Kansas City, David (Jessi) of Denver, and Zach of Kirkwood, and adoring grandsons Jack, Will, and David. He is also survived by siblings Molly Sherden (Bill) of Boston, Susanne Thorn (Mike) of Dallas, Paul Haynes of Austin, nephews and nieces, cousins, in-laws, and many friends.

Dick was born in Rochester, NY to William Brown Haynes and Elizabeth Thomas Haynes on March 23, 1950. He lived his early years in Pittsburgh, PA, and grew up rooting for Roberto Clemente and cultivating a life-long love for baseball. He moved to Creve Couer, MO at age 10, where the family attended Salem United Methodist Church. In 1968, Dick graduated from Parkway High School; proud to say he was there the last year there was only one Parkway. While in high school, he was a three sport athlete, playing football, basketball and baseball. Dick continued his football career at Colgate University in Hamilton, NY. Graduating with a BA in History in 1972, he then spent 3 years as an officer with the United States Marine Corps.The Lieutenant spent his tour of duty primarily onboard ship accumulating stories across the Mediterranean and Caribbean. After the Marine Corps, Dick rode his bicycle from North Carolina to Florida and then headed to Michigan. He rode as far as Indiana before he was hit by a pickup truck. Sadly, he completed his trip by bus.

Dick moved to Boston and began his banking career. He met his future wife 50 years ago in Boston, connecting over beers and their stories of long distance bicycle rides. The couple wed in 1977 and lived in Cincinnati for 9 years. Dick became active in the UU church, serving on the finance committee to secure financing for a new Heritage Universalist Unitarian Church building. He returned to St Louis, working in the banking industry for a few more years before answering the call to ministry. Dick earned a M.DIV. from Eden Seminary in 1995. He became a Community Minister associated with Eliot Unitarian Universalist Chapel in Kirkwood. He provided counseling, hospital chaplaincy, batterer’s intervention training, guest preaching, couples communication training, and rites of passage, including officiating over 300 weddings.

Dick never met a stranger; he would gladly discuss history, theology, sports, his family, his latest read, and his compost pile with anyone who would listen. With his gregarious and friendly nature, he easily held a room’s attention. A natural storyteller, he was always more concerned that his stories were memorable and not necessarily accurate. He had an infectious sense of humor, even laughing at himself when teased by his sons. Thoughtful and insightful, he had an amazing amount of information in his head.

Dick had a kind and loving heart. He learned and practiced good communication skills to connect more deeply with his family. He was most proud of his sons and the gift it was to be their father. He loved chopping wood, and romanticized about it. His warmth was the fireplace that he always longed for and our hearths are colder without him.

A Celebration of Life with be held on Sunday, Sept. 6th at 2:00 pm

at Eliot Unitarian Universalist Chapel, 100 South Taylor Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122

Donations in his name can be made to:
Marine Toys for Tots Foundation

18251 Quantico Gateway Drive

Triangle, VA  22172

or

Eliot UU Chapel

100 South Taylor Rd

Kirkwood, MO  63122