John Elmer Haynes, age 90, of Blue Eye, Missouri.

John Elmer Haynes, age 90, of Blue Eye, Missouri, passed away at his home in Blue Eye, Missouri, April 24, 2025, in Blue Eye, Missouri. John was born in Dawn, Missouri, on October 7, 1934, to Willis and Katie (Williams) Haynes.

John graduated from high school in Avalon, Missouri, in 1951 and then attended Kirksville State Teachers College in Kirksville, Missouri, to earn his bachelor’s degree in education, and would go on to earn his master’s degree as well. John served two years in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956 where he attended basic training at Fort Riley, Kansas, and would eventually post to one of the first Nike missile batteries on the west coast in the bay area of California. He married Ruth Helen Bohanan on April 27, 1958, in Kirksville, Missouri, and had four children. John began his career as a teacher and later a school superintendent in Stet, Missouri, in 1961. In 1965, John was hired at Ralston Purina as a District Sales Manager where he would retire 32 years later in 1997 as the third all-time sales manager in Purina history. Those who knew John will remember him for his infectious smile and laughter, his faith, and his commitment to spreading love and kindness to everyone he encountered. John had a rare gift for making others smile and laugh, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed his path. He was cherished by his children and grandchildren for his love and unwavering support. John will be missed by many.

John is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ruth Haynes; four children: Julie Irene Chapin and husband Harry Chapin of Ozark, Missouri, Michael Haynes of Blue Eye, Missouri, Mark Haynes and wife Katherine of St. Peters, Missouri, and Dane Haynes of Moscow Mills, Missouri; Five grandchildren: Courtney Chapin, Caitlin (Vinnie) Finzo, Alexis (Ray) Varner, Alesha (Jacob) LeWallen, and Keenan (Courtney) Haynes; six great grandchildren; and many other friends and extended family.

His parents and one sister, Beverly, have preceded him in death.

John will be interred in Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield, Missouri with full military honors 10 a.m. May 2, 2025, with a celebration of life to follow at Meeting Place 3, 3259 St Hwy NN, Ozark, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tunnels to Towers (www.T2T.org). Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks. To leave an online condolence or a memory, please visit www.cremationsoftheozarks.com.