Earl Thomas Haynes

Earl Thomas Haynes, after an extraordinary life that impacted and enriched the lives of countless others, passed on from this earth on July 12th, 2024, and reunited with his dear wife, Gene, after just a brief time apart. He was 91. Known by an entire generation as Coach Haynes, he was a loved and respected leader and friend.

He is preceded in death by Gene; parents Romie and Nora Haynes; brother Elvie Haynes; and sisters Rubye Carrol and Nancy Richardson. Earl is survived by his son Steve Haynes and his wife Karen; daughter Kay Lottinger and her husband C.J.; grandchildren Rachel Lewis and her husband Bobby, Daniel Lottinger and his wife Marliese, Lauren Parks and her husband Chris, and Mitchell Haynes and his wife Maryanna; and 10 great-grandchildren: Madeline Lewis, Trenton Lewis, Piper Lottinger, Sadie Lottinger, Demi Lottinger, Haynes Parks, Hudson Parks, Harper Haynes, Pierre Haynes, and August “Ace” Haynes.

Earl was born into unremarkable, humble beginnings in depression-era Springhill, Louisiana on May 7th, 1933. The Haynes family didn’t install indoor plumbing until Earl was 15, and one of his chores was drawing the day’s water from a deep well. Nevertheless, with a sharp mind, tireless work ethic, and a little God-given talent, every endeavor he undertook was done with distinction. A renaissance man from Webster Parish.

As a standout lineman for the Lumberjacks of Springhill High, football opened doors that Earl wouldn’t let shut. He accepted a scholarship to play at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, where he became known for his diligence and toughness. Those college years set the trajectory for Earl’s life. It was during that time he earned a master’s degree and chose to pursue a career in teaching and coaching. He also enlisted in the Army ROTC at the height of the Korean War. Most importantly, he met and married another future educator, the lovely Natalie “Gene” Jensen. They were married for over 70 years. Children Steve and Kay completed the Haynes family of 4.

Earl’s status as a reserve officer brought on a stint at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. After his service, the Haynes family returned to Louisiana, where Earl began his career as an educator and coach. Coach Haynes quickly established himself as an admired leader. Listening to those that played for him, common descriptive words were: sharp, tough, disciplined, and fair. He ascended the ranks while working at numerous schools across the state.

All roads ultimately led to Bossier City for the Haynes clan, where Earl eventually became the principal at Airline High School. He truly cared about his students and faculty, and he fought for them tirelessly. If that was all you knew about the man, that would be enough.

 Earl retired from the Bossier School system in 1985. Later, he was inducted into the Springhill High School Hall of Fame, and the Northwestern State University “Hall of Distinguished Educators.” 

Earl, naturally, added a 2nd, 3rd, and 4th career, first by serving as superintendent at Riverdale Academy in Coushatta. He then led the Bossier Parks and Recreation department before seamlessly recreating himself into a successful landman for an oil and gas company. 

Earl had numerous interests outside of his careers. White-tail deer hunting in Doloroso, Mississippi became a part of life, and sharing a hunt with a grandchild is what he enjoyed the most. He was an avid golfer that loved to play the game, while also watching it attentively. His favorite professional golfer was Tiger Woods. He was a runner and weightlifter until his health prevented him from doing so in the 2010s. He attended as many of his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events as possible, with Gene by his side. Turns out, they attended a whole bunch of them. And when his son Steve went to play Quarterback for Northwestern’s archrival at the time, Louisiana Tech, Earl was magnanimous. And of course, there was always the offer for dinner after a game. He lived a life where he never stopped leading and was a longtime Sunday School teacher of his peers at Cypress Baptist Church.

Sundays meant that Earl Haynes wore a suit. The man took pride in how he dressed and he was eternally polished. Perhaps that can be traced back to the strict style he learned as a reserve officer, or maybe just from the positive influence of Gene. He appreciated rare ostrich cowboy boots, trendy running shoes, well-fitting suits, and a quality silk tie, treating himself to a new one of those once a year (he was also very pragmatic).

Above all the successes, interests, and accolades, Earl was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His traits of Tough, Disciplined, and Fair as a father gracefully morphed into Joyful, Patient, and Generous as a grandfather. Those fortunate enough to call him “Dad” or “Grandad” are truly blessed. He served his Lord and his family until the very end. All that knew him will miss him dearly. It certainly was a life well lived, and now Coach Haynes can finally rest. 

Visitation will be held at 1:00 followed by a celebration of life at 2:00 on Sunday, August 4th at Cypress Baptist Church, 4701 Palmetto Rd, Benton, LA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Cypress Baptist Church or Northwest LA Fellowship of Christian Athletes.