Richard Owen Haynie,65, passed away on April 14, 2023 at home in San Antonio, Texas. 

Richard was born October 8th, 1957 to Walter Kenneth and Betty Lord Haynie in Beaumont, Texas. From the beginning he was curious about the world around him. He spent summers surfing and fishing on Crystal Beach and taught himself the drums as  a kid. All he had to do was listen to a song and he could play it.Richard went on to be the steady heartbeat for many bands including the Urban Tumbleweeds and Strange Brew. He graduated from Beaumont High School in 1976 and later attended Lamar University. He started his career in Insurance at Bankers Life and Casualty in 1983 and went on to become an Independent Life and Health agent, earning the status of Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow. 

In 1991, he met the love of his life, Robin. She fell immediately for his humor and charisma. The two had a passionate love that continued to grow throughout their 31 years. Together they built a beautiful, loud, loving, fun, family including Son and Daughter-in-law David and Missy Gibbs, Daughter and Son-in-law Lauren and Caleb Istre, Son and Daughter-in-Law Adam and Bekah Gibbs, Son and Daughter-in-law Michael and Kassie Haynie, Daughter Tess Haynie and Son Samuel Haynie. Richard was also terribly proud of his amazing grandchildren Grayson Gibbs, John Owen Gibbs, Mia Istre, Ashton Istre, Lane Istre, Margot Gibbs, Ruby Gibbs and Aurora Haynie.

In 1992 he relocated to Athens Texas and established Haynie Insurance. Richard made a friend of everyone he met. This was especially true of his customers. He believed his highest calling was providing them the care and protection they needed. He was sincere in the love and care that he gave to all the people in his life and always took time to talk with them and share their stories. He has many customers that he maintained for over 25 years.

He converted to Catholicism in 1993 and later inspired many initiates with the confidence and zeal of his faith. He was a member of St. Edwards Parish in Athens, Texas and later St. Peter and Paul in Tyler. After a final move to San Antonio in May of 2022, he joined the Parish of San Fernando Cathedral. He was twice the Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus #10524 in Athens. He taught catechism and was Co- Director of Religious Education with his wife for four years at St. Edwards.

He was a cubmaster of Cub Scouts #351 in Athens and built amazing memories with his sons at years of Scout campouts. He was on the board of Keep Athens Beautiful. He joined in with his entire family at Henderson County Performing Arts Center for over 20 years and was a continual resource for tech, building sets and occasionally acting in shows. He loved working the angles on the racquetball court and watching the Dallas Cowboys win.  He could also be colorfully vocal when they lost. 

In 2012 Richard, along with his wife, opened Pinot’s Palette paint and sip studio in Tyler, Texas. For ten years the studio thrived and an extended family of amazing artists grew to love Richard’s humor, and tenderheartedness. He rarely called any loved ones by their real name, instead bestowing them with a “Richardism” nickname: Gramps, Dipdot, Ratking, etc. Names we will carry with pride.

Richard appreciated nature, people watching and stargazing with his daughter. He was also a super-natural detective, loving to go on ghost hunts and keep his eyes on the horizon for UFOs. He made the most amazing Gumbo. Unfortunately, a diagnosis of bi-polar depression in 2017 was a struggle that ultimately robbed him of his life.  Despite those years of struggle, his kindness and love for Robin, his kids and grandkids endured.

Although our hearts are sad, they are also filled with the joy of so many great memories. We rest in the knowledge that Richard is in the arms of his Savior. He will no doubt stay busy keeping impeccable timing in St. Peters band and also playing dominos with his beloved Mother-in-Law, Mary, who will cheat.

Richard is also survived by Brother Bill Haynie and Sister Mary Sue Buckland, Nieces Rachel, Katie & Chelsea and more friends than one could count.  

Services will be held Friday, May 5 at San Fernando Cathedral, 115 Main Plaza, San Antonio, TX. Rosary at 9:30 AM. Funeral Mass to follow at 10:00. Richard’s cremains will be buried in East Texas the following weekend. Flowers can be sent to the church and donations to Mental Health America at mhanational.org  

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