Darrell Gene Haines

Darrell Gene Haines, 83, of Knightstown, passed away leaving behind a legacy of service, patriotism, and devotion to family and community. He was born August 8, 1942 in Anderson, the son of James Henley and Dorothy Kathleen Haines.

A proud United States Marine, Darrell served his country with honor and courage, achieving the rank of Corporal. His military service was a defining part of his life. He was a recipient of the Military Presidential Citation, a recognition he carried with deep humility while remaining immensely proud of his service to the nation he loved.

Following his military service, Darrell dedicated 30 years of hard work to Chrysler Corporation. He also devoted himself to the town he loved, serving on the Knightstown Town Council for six years and later as Town Board President, always striving to make his community stronger.

Darrell was deeply involved in numerous civic and fraternal organizations throughout his life. He was a longtime member of the Masonic Lodge and participated in the York Rite, Scottish Rite, and the Shrine. He was also active in the Greene County Shrine, the New Castle Elks, and the Order of the Eastern Star. One of his greatest sources of pride was his more than 60 years of membership with American Legion Post No. 152 in Knightstown. There, he gave countless hours of service, including cooking for fellow veterans and supporting community events. Darrell and his son also made history at the Legion as the first father and son to serve as commanders.

Though he sometimes appeared gruff on the outside, those who knew him well knew he was truly a teddy bear at heart. Darrell had a generous spirit and was always willing to help someone in need. One Thanksgiving, after seeing a family stranded at a gas station, he took them in and brought them home for a warm holiday meal, just one of many quiet acts of kindness that defined his life.

A deeply patriotic man, Darrell carried that pride with him everywhere. He often kept American flags in his car so that if he saw a torn or worn flag flying, he could offer a replacement to its owner. Passing down his love for country and respect for the flag to his family was one of his greatest joys.

Darrell enjoyed life’s simple pleasures, playing golf, listening to music, fishing, and cooking, especially when it meant bringing people together. He was also a gifted storyteller, and his stories, humor, and laughter will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of hearing them. Above all else, Darrell was a devoted family man. He loved his family deeply and took immense pride in them, especially his great-grandchildren, who brought him endless joy.

Darrell’s favorite quote was, “ you can't smell it, if you don’t stir it.”

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 62 years, Judith Lynn Haines of Knightstown; daughters, Jena Haines (Rodney) Schmidt and Joni Haines Tabor; son, Darren G. (Phyllis) Haines; grandchildren, Brittney (Payton) Corn, Abbi (Kyle) Haines Landes, Zachary (Emily) Tabor, Alaina Schmidt and Hunter Haines; step grandchildren, Shawn Tabor, Chad (Amy) Tabor and Brittani (Seth) Lee; half sister, Sandra Byerly; great grandchildren, Kellan, Cohen, Jett, Mavis, Cameron, Derek, Addi, Livvi, and Maverick; great-great granddaughter, Jordyn; several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Guy and Alta Hattery and son-in-law, Steve Tabor. 

Visitation will be from 1:00 - 4:00 PM Sunday, March 15, 2026 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service, Knightstown Chapel with Pastor Steve Arnett officiating. The funeral will begin at 4:00 PM with Masonic rites and the service will conclude with military rites conducted by the Knightstown American Legion Post #152. Memorial contributions may be given in Darrell’s honor to the David G. Newkirk Scholarship Fund (through American Legion Post #152) or the Mt. Zion Wesleyan Church. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Condolences and memories of Darrell may be shared at www.hinsey-brown.com.