Orin Ray Haines September 27, 1943 - November 23, 2018

Orin “Ray” Haines of Columbia, MO (formerly of Unionville, MO) passed away suddenly of natural causes on Friday, November 23, 2018.

Ray Haines was born in rural Putnam County on September 27, 1943, the son of Orin Homer and Ruby Daisy (Ledford) Haines. Ray graduated from Unionville High School, Putnam County before joining the US Navy where he was stationed on the USS Tidewater as a Second Class Petty Officer Machinist Mate during the Vietnam War era. Ray kept his Navy memories alive by being active in the VFW Post 280. On May 26, 1972 he married Susan Toth in Flint Hill, MO. Ray began his career as a barber in Kirksville, then moved to Columbia, MO where he and Susan owned 2 businesses, “A Matter of Style” for 20 years and “The Captain’s Quarters” for 41 years. When Ray settled in Columbia, he became active in the “Big Brothers” organization where he became a mentor and kept lifelong friendships. Ray was a weekend cattle farmer on his mother’s original homesteaded farm in eastern Putnam County. He loved to hunt, work with wood, and make his famous light and crispy peanut brittle. Ray was active in all his endeavors until the day of his passing.

Ray is survived by his wife Susan of the home and 2 daughters, Laura Haines of Boonville, MO and Sara Haines of Folkston, GA. Ray is also survived by a nephew, Lee Haines and nieces, Nancy Trotter, Theresa Hammett and Melisa Henderson and their families.

In addition to his parents and grandparents, Ray was preceded in death by a brother, John Haines and a sister, Shirley Clinkenbeard.

Visitation at Playle & Collins Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO Sat. Dec 1, 2018 12:30; services 1:30, interment Mitchell Cemetery, Omaha, MO immediately following. The Columbia VFW Post 280 will have a Memorial Dinner for Ray on Sunday, December 16 @ 1:00 p.m. at the Post on 1509 Ashley St., Columbia.

Memorials are suggested to the VFW Post 280 of Columbia, MO and may be entrusted to the Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.