Leonard Norman Haynie

Leonard Norman Haynie, 88, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, in Austin, Texas. Leonard was born in Houston Texas, on January 23, 1935 and grew up in The Heights neighborhood. He was predeceased in death by his parents, Odis Keith Haynie and Adele Estella (Beckman) Haynie; his brothers, Raye (Royce) Haynie, Vastine Haynie, Weldon Haynie, Orville Haynie and Herbert Haynie; Sisters, Aline Haynie Wicke, Eunice Haynie Kent.

Leonard is survived by his loving and devoted best friend and wife of 56 years, Annette Davis Haynie. He is also survived by his special nieces; Pam Haynie, Cecille Haynie McRory, Marlene (Rick) Johnson, Melody Lauderdale, Karen Ethredge and nephew Bill Haynie as well as several other nieces and nephews, plus a host of many dear friends and his beloved Schnauzer, Mandy. Honorary pallbearers – Ty Briskill, Dick Carlton, Donny Humpheries, Rick Johnson, Tommy Lightfoot, Jerry McEachern and Tim Simecek.

Leonard began his illustrious career, at the age of 6 years old, sweeping the floors of a neighboring Chinese family’s grocery store. At 10 years old, he graduated to the landscape business with his older brother Herbert, cutting grass in their Heights neighborhood off of Studewood St. Leonard attended Harvard (no, not the university) Elementary School, Hogg Junior High School and Reagan Senior High School. He could not wait to enter the workforce and began working at Stowers Furniture Store. After a couple of years selling furniture, he realized there was more opportunity in Houston by entering the Oil and Gas Industry. He began working for Texaco in Houston and after 13 years, was lured away to the Industrial and Protective Coatings Industry at Matcote Paint Manufacturing Co. as an outside salesman, a position where he rose to the top of his field. This led to his being brought in as the Gulf Coast Regional Manager for Carboline, a Global Industrial Coatings Manufacturing Co. in Houston. Leonard excelled in his field and upon retiring from Carboline, he continued consulting. When it came time to kick back and leave the hectic life of Houston, Leonard and Annette bought a farm near Flatonia Texas. But, before leaving the big city for good, Leonard enrolled at the University of Houston to take a real estate course & became a licensed Realtor at the age of 69. Always excelling in sales, he immediately associated with a local firm in Flatonia, rolled up his shirtsleeves and began his next chapter of his life as a Country Farmer Realtor. One of his proudest moments came from the sale of the original clinic bought with the funds from the Czhilispiel Foundation. Needing something more exciting than farming they bought the Flatonia Hardware and Automotive in downtown. Embracing the laid back lifestyle of a smaller community, Leonard joined Flatonia United Methodist Church where he served as a board member on the financial and PPR committee and sang in the choir. He served as director of several committees in the Chamber of Commerce, becoming President; he was a member of the Lions Club, served 3 terms on the city council, worked as an EMS for 10yrs, was a life endowed member of Flatonia Masonic Lodge 436, where he served as secretary for 12 years. He served with other local civic organizations as a member and officer, including the world renowned Czhilispiel Festival. In 2004 Leonard and Annette sold their hardware store and moved to LaGrange Texas immersing themselves in their new community. Leonard continued to make a difference in the things he chose to become involved in. Having worked for many years as an EMS, at the age of 69, he studied & passed the exam to become an EMT for Fayette County, a position that he was most proud to have. A devout Christian, Leonard was a member of New Life Methodist Church, LaGrange (formerly First United Methodist Church); former member of Flatonia Methodist Church, Flatonia Texas and St Stephens United Methodist Church, Houston Texas. Leonard was an avid sportsman, coordinating many hunting and fishing trips over the years for customers and friends alike. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, hunting, fishing and following the Houston Astros, Oilers and Texans but, serving his community and loving his beloved Annette were his true passions. Fiercely loyal to so many folks in life, if you were fortunate enough to meet Leonard you would never forget his genuine smile, firm handshake and infectious laughter. “He never met a stranger” seems so cliché’ but Leonard was the real deal.

The family will receive friends, Wednesday, August 16, 9AM at the Heights Funeral Home. Funeral service is scheduled for 10:30AM. Interment will follow at Memorial Oaks Cemetery, 13001 Katy Frwy, Houston, TX 77079. Pastor Andy Smith officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory of Leonard Haynie to New Life Methodist Church, P. O. Box 89 LaGrange, Texas 78945 or the charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.heightsfuneralhome.com for the Haynie family.