George S. Haynes

George was and is yet a gentle, sacred soul. One of the most truly Christian men I've ever known in my life. We have had the great privilege and pleasure of calling him our friend, and we have been greatly blessed by his family as well. God's blessings on Carol, Michael and Matthew, now and for all time. Peace be with you.

Back in 1992, a couple months after my dad passed away, George and I were talking on the phone and I asked him what he thought the worst words were that a doctor could ever speak. He got that thoughtful look on his face, as he often did, and said he thought it might be, "Your disease is terminal," or something like that.
I responded that the worst words that a doctor could ever speak are, "I'm sorry, but we did everything that we could."
That's because it means that you are still here but someone you love very much is gone.
I'm so sorry that you, Carol, had to hear those words.
I will miss George more than I can express. I'm glad the last words he ever heard me say to him were, "I love you," because I truly did. He often said it to me and I was hesitant to say it back, because I felt awkward saying that to another man. But I truly felt it.
You were right, Carol, when you told me that George lived his faith. I immediately thought of Matthew 25: 34-40. George was an excellent example of that passage.
Upon his death, I again thought of another passage from Scripture — 2 Timothy 4: 6-8. George fought the good fight. He won the race. He kept the faith.
How unfair it must have seemed to Timothy and all the followers of Paul that he should be executed at the orders of the evil emperor Nero just as he was at the height of his ministry. But they continued the work that Paul began, working through their grief. And because the Holy Spirit continued to work through them, we have the Christian faith today. It didn't die with Paul, as Nero had hoped.
So also the good works that the Holy Spirit began in George will continue through those of us who knew him and loved him. That is his lasting legacy.
When my father died, I thought the whole world should stop, at least for a little while. But the harsh truth is, it doesn't. The next few weeks and months, will be so hard, but know, Carol, that I am praying for you and the boys that He will give you strength to negotiate through the rough waters that lie ahead.
When I was plotting a map to find County Line Church of God, I noticed that one of the directions listed, "Continue onto Mayhem Road" instead of Mayhew Road. I thought to myself how funny George would find that to be and then I thought about how among all of my friends, pretty much only George would find that funny. That's what I'll miss the most. Being able to share simple things like that with him.
But we'll all soldier on, because that's what he would want us to do.

Rest in peace George. And know that I still love you, and always will.
I will find someone else to ride a bike with and go to the state basketball tournament with, but I will never — never — find anyone who can take your place in my heart as a friend.

Again, Carol, Matthew, Michael, you are always in my prayers and if there is anything I can do for you, don't hesitate to call.

Glen

George and I worked together for 24 years. I saw your family begin and grow. He was a brother to me and I miss him so very much. Michael and Matthew, your dad and I would get started on the 'off ramp' quite often with tales of our childhoods since we were both country kids! Please remember he really is always with you and we will all hold him in our hearts forever. You are all in my prayers. Your friend, Carol Ernsberger

Carol and family,
Our deepest condolences to you, may God bless you and comfort you.

Unfortunately this world is not full of good young boys that grow into great men as God intended, but I knew one, his name was George. He will be missed. Jim O'Day

My family and I got to know George through attending sherman street Church of God. We enjoyed spending many times with George and Carol and at the time the two little boys. You will be missed. I will pray for carol and the two boys that God may put peace in their hearts. Roger and Catherine Deuter

To all the Haynes Family, So very sorry to hear of your loss. May you find strengh and peace in God's everlasting love.

Norma Closson and family

To Carol and Michael and Matthew and Harriet-
I am asking God to wrap his warm ,soft cozy blanket of love around you . Please lean on the Lord and let him comfort you when it seems like there is no comfort or peace to be found. Continue to let Jesus wipe away your tears and praise God that this is not our home but just a stopping place. Please note that your husband- your son- your father and our dear friend will live on in every single person that he met. Because that is the kind of person George is - he left a part of himself- his love- his friendship- his kindness- his servanthood- his heart in whomever he met. Even if you only met George briefly - you knew right away that he was a special person who truly cared about you. Even though it may be hard in the midst of the tears and grief, think about all of the fun times and the crazy things that George did, make sur you do that! When I was thinking back, I thought of the video at the lake when he was running down the hill in his shorts and we were all commenting on his legs.( really I mean yelling "Look, George Haynes has legs!!" I know without a doubt that George's genuine love , caring , and kindness are apart of each and every one of my family. George was like a brother to Greg and Greg enjoyed their long talks,and all of the memories made together with our families. George holds a special place in the girls and my heart as well. Aimee even remembered a time when he came to her cat's birthday party. How many people would do that?George was always willing to go above and beyond. Like I said that's the kind of guy George was- very , very special. We will truly miss him !! Please know that we love you all and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers! George's body may be dead but he is most Definately not- he's probably interviewing Jesus right now or having a long parking lot meeting with him about how to solve the world's problems.hahha
We love all of you!! Our good friends you will always be!
Linda and Greg Martin and girls

I knew George at Elmhurst. I will forever remember his infectious smile. He always signed everything 'your friend, George'. May God's love surround the family and give you peace in this time of sorrow. Until we meet again, dear friend.

What a great man of God and what a great friend!
Our loss is Heaven's awesome Gain!
My love to Carol, Michael and Matthew!
John Stevens, Pastor and Friend

I remember George from Elmhurst High School. I look forward to meeting him again in heaven when my time here ends. I pray that peace overcomes your grief in knowing where he is and who he is with. In His Name,

What a loss to his family, the KPC Media group, and community at large. George interviewed me several times and also was my contact person for the column I wrote for KPC for fifteen years. He was so professional and personable. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

Carol, you know Rick and I have never been able to move or help anyone else move without happy tho'ts of George :) We hold dear our happy memories and anticipate our reunion with him and our Lord. We love you and will be praying for the coming days, weeks, months, for the peace that only God can give. Rick & Merri Sue Sayler

Our heartfelt condolences to George's family. We both knew George from our days at Elmhurst, and hold very dear memories of his friendship.

My sympathies to the family. I knew George at EHS. May you find peace and joy in your memories of him.

IT IS MY PRAYER THAT GOD LIFTS THE HEARTS OF CAROL, MICHAEL, AND MATTHEW AT THIS VERY DIFFICULT PERIOD IN THEIR LIVES, WITH THE UNDERSTANDING AND ACCEPTANCE OF GOD'S PLAN FOR EACH OF US. GEORGE IS FREE. WE ARE ALL STILL HOSTAGE, TIED TO THIS WORLD OF PAIN. GOD WILL FREE US ALL IN HIS GOOD TIME AND ACCORDING TO HIS PLAN.

MAY HE HOLD YOU CLOSE IN YOUR GRIEF.

MARY LOU FEBER

George will be greatly missed by everyone. He was truly the one best friend anyone could have. If he got angry with anyone, he was quick to forgive. If you needed help with anything, he was the first one to help. If a person is lucky, they might have one good, BEST friend come into their life. I've been lucky and had two such BEST friends, George was one. God gained an angel this passed week. But the world lost an angel as well. God bless and comfort all who knew George and whom he touched with his life.

I want to send Victor and family our condolences.So sorry to hear about your loss.
We are sendibg our prayers.
Jack and Nancy Reader

I knew George in high school, and then our paths crossed again In Kendallville, when I started to work for WAWK at about the same time he joined the News-Sun. A good guy, that will be missed. Condolences to the family.

Steve Wyatt
(Steve "Tiny Little" Michaels)