Robert Lee Haneline

Robert married my sister when I was eight years old. I quickly came to love him dearly, and to go to him for advice, protection, and multiple other roles that he played in my life. We shared a love of silliness, and good times, as well as classic movies. And because of that love of old movies, as well as his role as a surrogate father to me as I grew up, I called him Big Daddy, a reference to an old Paul Newman movie.
When I was about eleven or twelve years old, he acquired a new truck. One he was extremely proud of. But it was an unfortunate shade of orangey brown, similar to the color of pumkin pie. He kept it spotless and gleaming, at all times. One day in particular, Maida and the kids were visiting us, and when Robert got off work at the fire station, he came to my mom's house, to join us for dinner.
It was springtime, and all the windows in the house were open. So, in a loud voice, I called out "Sissy! I think Prince Charming has arrived. I see a rotten pumpkin in the driveway!"
Robert started running, and I looked for a place to hide, because I knew that retribution was at hand! He tickled me, until I could hardly breathe.

It was my privilege to pastor Robert when he made a miraculous return to the Lord. He returned to Christ with great humility and enthusiasm after family and church prayed for him over the years. His encouragement and service to me personally was a great impact. He life is a reminder that it´s more important how you finish than how you start.