Jerry Haines

July 18, 1944 - November 21, 2018

Jerry Haines, 74, of Oskaloosa, died Wednesday, November 21, 2018, at the MHP Hospital in Oskaloosa. He was born July 18, 1944, in Montezuma, Iowa, the son of Derrel and Rachael Vought Haines. He graduated from Oskaloosa High School with the class of 1962. Following high school, he went to work for Al’s Auto Repair for a few years. Following Al’s, he worked at Montgomery Ward’s in Oskaloosa. On May 29, 1965, he was united in marriage to Lois Aalbers at Knoxville. Jerry worked for many years at R.F. & W.B. Fitch Inc. Auto Parts in Oskaloosa. After some time, they opened a branch store in Knoxville and Jerry and his family moved there to run that branch. In 1982, Jerry moved back to Oskaloosa and opened Haines Auto Supply. The store was definitely a family run business, with the entire family helping from time to time. In the early ‘90’s, Jerry purchased an auto parts store in Ottumwa and opened a branch store of Haines Auto Supply. He sold that store after running it seven days a week for over 18 years. He continued to own and operate the Oskaloosa store until 2016. In 2016, he transitioned the business to his son Jeff, who has worked at the store since he was 14 years old. In retirement he still enjoyed coming in the store and watching his son and family of employees carry on the business. He was a member and former officer of the Iowa Automotive Wholesalers Association. He truly loved racing, especially building racecars with his son Jeff. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles, bicycles, and trap shooting. In retirement he looked forward to heading to Sun City, Arizona, with Lois. He delighted in spending time with his family and friends. His family includes his wife of over 53 years, Lois Haines of Oskaloosa; two children and their spouses, Jeffrey and Kimberly Haines of Oskaloosa and Debra Lynn Haines Porter and her husband Rodney of Reno, Nevada; six grandchildren, Paul (Ashley) Ryan, Crystal (Luke) Broulik, Sarah (Jay) Wills, Gregory Haines (Andy Corbin), Anastasia Porter, and Alexander Porter; seven great grandchildren, six sisters, Beth (Robert) Rickerd of Newton, Edna Haines of Norwalk, Kae (Richard) Wittich of Des Moines, Rose Legg of Des Moines, Linda (Charles) Haltom of Kansas City, Missouri, and Marcena Bennett of Des Moines; and many nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Glenn Haines and Merle Haines. As was Jerry’s wish his body has been cremated. The family will be at the Oskaloosa American Legion from 3-8 Saturday, November 24, 2018, and would invite anyone to stop by and share stories with them. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. As a businessman in Oskaloosa Jerry would try to support as many community organizations as he could. He requested that in lieu of flowers those that feel inclined to give, to please donate to an organization that they hold close to their heart.