John Ell Haygood

Mr. Haygood was born in Shreveport, La. on June 27, 1922 to Claude and Lillian Taylor Haygood. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary Jane and his twin brother who was deceased at birth.

He is survived by his wife of over 70 years, Janice Attaway Haygood. Also surviving Mr. Haygood are his children. Son Patrick and wife Laura of Birmingham, Alabama and daughters Patricia Kral of Shreveport, Janet and husband John Kokemor, M.D. of New Orleans, Louisiana and Bambi Young and husband Jim of Tulsa, Oklahoma. His nephew, Bill Fouche and niece Lillian Kirstein both of Dallas, Texas also survive. He will be missed by his many friends at the lake and members of the Telephone Pioneers.

Additionally, he is survived by his grandchildren, Christopher Kral, Jonathan Kral, Brady Haygood, Matthew Kral, Jacob Kokemor, Kathryn Kokemor and six great grand children.

Mr. Haygood faithfully served his country in the South Pacific with the U.S. Marines during WWII. He also served with the Marines during the Korean Conflict. His WWII Marine Corps service was initially on Guadalcanal and later on Guam. He was fiercely patriotic and loved his country and would not hesitate to defend Her in any circumstance. He was truly a member of the “Greatest Generation” and was proud to be included in that group of brave men and women who arguably saved the American way of life.

He retired from South Central Bell in 1982 as a Supervisor of Installation and Data Systems after more than 35 years of service. He served as President of the American Bell Federal Credit Union and as President of the Monterey Land Company since its inception in 1960.

Mr. Haygood was the consummate “do it yourselfer.” He once purchased a broken down Piper Colt airplane and spent a great amount of time completely disassembling the airplane down to the last nut and bolt. After refurbishing each of the hundreds of parts, he reassembled the aircraft and flew it for pleasure for many years. Much to the chagrin of our mother, he stored the wings of the Colt behind the sofa in the living room.

A private visitation for family and friends will be held at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home (Mansfield Road) at 11:30 am on Thursday, September 12, 2013 with graveside services at Centuries Memorial Park immediately following at 12:30 pm.

Serving as pallbearers will be his grandsons and long time friend, Rocky Horton. Members of the Telephone Pioneers and friends at the lake will serve as honorary pallbearers.