John JW William Haines

John William (JW) Haines passed away in his wife’s arms on April 22, 2016 following a lengthy illness. He was 82 years old. JW was born October 11, 1933 in Houston, TX and married on September 5, 1953 to the love of his life Barbara Chappell. They would have celebrated their 63rd Anniversary this year. They had two daughters, Rhonda Lyn and Kellye Diane.

JW attended school in Aldine, TX. He joined the US Army in June 1953 and served two years. Following his return to Houston, he attended college classes and in December 1958 joined the Houston Police Department (HPD), retiring 30 years later in February 1988. Following his retirement from the HPD, JW remained an active member of the Fraternal Order of Police Officers.

To JW, the most important thing in life was family. Throughout his life, in addition to taking care of their immediate family, JW and Barbara “fostered” numerous nieces and nephews making their home the gathering place. JW always had time to spend with the children, and as his granddaughter so appropriately put it - “He was the best grandpa a girl could ever have. He sang silly songs that made me laugh. Because he loved me so much, only made me love him more. He was one of my best friends. I will miss him for the rest of my life.”

Although JW did not have any sons, his nephew Barry Dewberry was the one particular nephew whom both he and Barbara formed a very special relationship. They could always depend on him for anything … Barry made it happen.

JW was a proud “PePaw” and is survived by his wife Barbara, his daughter Rhonda Gasson and husband John, daughter Kellye Byars and husband David, granddaughter Christy Trantham and husband Stacy, grandson John (JJ) Jordan and wife Alexis, grandson David “Seth” Byars, great-grandchildren Aaron Aldape, Ethan Jordan, Isaac Aldape, Hailey Jordan and Jaaven Aldape, step-grandchildren John (JT) Gasson and wife Melanie, Sara Allen and husband Joey, step great-grandchildren Lucas Trantham, John W Gasson, Griffin Allen and Emily Gasson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He touched the lives of so many people throughout his life; he will be missed by more people than most could ever call friends.