Robert Staple Haynes
December 12, 1938 - April 6, 2021
Obituary
Robert Staple Haynes was the fifth child born to the late Cleveland Haynes, Sr. and Esteller Fletcher Haynes on December 12, 1938 in St. Joseph, Louisiana. He and his seven siblings grew up in a household full of love and rooted in faith.
He confessed his belief in our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ at an early age and was baptized by the late Rev. Herman Bryant at the Morning Star Baptist Church.
Robert distinguished himself as a student and graduated from Tensas Rosenwald High School in 1957. He matriculated to Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he was initiated into the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity in 1959. Robert received his BS Degree in Mathematics from Southern University in 1962.
Immediately after graduation, he moved to Seattle, Washington with his brother and sister-in-law, Grover and Wanda Haynes, and started his professional life at the Boeing Company, where he remained for one year before being drafted into the United States Army. Soon thereafter, he married his college sweetheart, Malver Baptiste in June 1964. To this union were born two children: Rodney Steven and Robin Simone.
Once Robert completed his tour, he returned to the Boeing Company for four years, before accepting a position at Liberty Bank of Seattle as a Management Trainee. His banking career spanned over 30 years and included leadership roles at Pacific National Bank of Washington, Seattle First National Bank, Emerald City Bank, Puget Sound Bank, and ultimately Key Bank, where he served as Vice-President/Area Sales Manager until his retirement in 2000.
Robert was not only a recognized leader in the Seattle business community; he was also actively engaged in Seattle’s philanthropic community. He demonstrated his commitment to service by lending his expertise as a board member for a variety of non-profit organizations. Some of the entities that benefitted from Robert’s wise counsel include: the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, Seattle Academy of Finance, Harbor Club of Seattle, and the Washington Special Olympics. The physical distance did not diminish the love for his alma mater, Southern University. The deep connection and affection for Southern led him to be a founding member of the Puget Sound Chapter of the Southern University Alumni Association. He served as the association’s treasurer for 40 years.
Robert remained dedicated in his spiritual life and was a faithful member of the Mount Zion Baptist Church since August 1965, where he held numerous leadership roles and proved to be an influential voice and valued resource for several key strategic initiatives of the church. His recent involvement as a mentor/teacher with a mentoring program for young males, Team Issaachar, was particularly fulfilling.
Travel was a passion that Robert shared with his beloved wife, Malver. They were fortunate to visit six of the seven continents. Robert loved animals, so he especially relished his two trips to Africa, which included a safari. When not traveling, you could find Robert on the golf course. He played several times a week with his regular golfing buddies: Richard Collins, Julius Devaro, Walt Braithwaite, Donald and Ruby Patin.
Robert was a lifelong learner, and continued his education earning an MBA Degree in Finance from Seattle University in 1976 and a Certificate from Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington in 1982.
Robert is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Malver; Son, Rodney Haynes of Oakland, California; Daughter, Robin (Bobby) Yearby of Hayward, California; Granddaughter, Maralie Yearby; Grandson, Griffin Haynes Yearby; Brother, Grover (Wanda) Haynes of Seattle, Washington; Sister Ora Brown of Detroit, Michigan; Sister Minnie Martin of Detroit, Michigan; Sister Katie Wright of Atlanta, Georgia; Sister Estella (Ron) Swann of Indianapolis, Indiana; Brothers-in-Law Henry Baptiste and Lloyd (Veronica) Baptiste of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Sisters- in -Law, Theresa Baptiste of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Audrey Haynes of Florida and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Team Issachar, Mount Zion Baptist Church, 1634 19th Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98122 or to your favorite charity in his name.
Private service will be held.
To Malver and Family, you are in my prayers and thoughts during this difficult time May the peace that comes from the memories of love shared comfort and sustain you now and in the days ahead. “Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. With deepest sympathy and much love. Your Sister in Christ and Delta. Irma Wise, Detroit, MI
Malver and Family, I want you to know that the wife and I will keep you and the family in our prayers. Staple was 6 years older than me but he was someone that my brother and I always looked up to. All of the good memories that you have of time spent with Staple will see you thru this time of grief. I am a friend from St. Joseph, LA.
My heart was saddened to receive word that Mr. Haynes had transitioned.
A lifelong friend of Rodney and Big Brother figure to Robin; as well as loving “Play” son to both Mr & Mrs. Haynes, I feel at a loss, as if it were my direct bloodline.
May God bless his transition and wrap loving and comforting arms around the entire family.
I Love You Haynes family
Our prayers and love are the family. We are here if you need anything. Luv fam.
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those wo are crushed in spirit.” He will wrap you and your family in His wings and give comfort during this trying time. With much love my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Yours in Christ, Lajuana (Skinner) Cross, daughter of Lottie (Skinner) Clark and grand-daughter of Ruth Haynes
Clarence Lutcher
To Malver and family, I am truly sorry for your loss. Your husband Robert Staple Haynes was a good friend and classmate for tour years in elementary school and four years through high school. He will be missed and never be forgotten, may his soul Rest In Peace. In the last two months Robert and I talked on several occasions. Stay strong and know that you are remembered in my thoughts and prayers.
WORDS and ACTIONS, however kind, can’t stop your heartache, but know those who care and share wish you comfort and peace of mind. May you find strength in GOD, the LOVE of family and in the warm embrace of friends now and always.
The Martin family offers our sincere condolences and sympathy. Staples will be remembered as a true man of God and follower of Christ. Always availing himself to service. A kind, gentle man with a brilliant mind. HIs wisdom and guidance will be missed.
The entire Team Issachar village shares a broken heart at Mr. Bob’s homegoing. “He will be missed” could not be more of an understatement. WE ALL LOVED HIM. We cherish his 12 years of dedicated and consistent investment in the lives of our youth. Be comforted in knowing the seeds he planted in us all will continue to be nurtured and many will be blessed from the “fruit of his trees”.
To Malver and family, my name is Florida Turner I am thinking of you with sympathy and wishing you comfort and peace.Staple and I were classmates in high school “class of 1957”. We both attended and graduated from Southern University. We were not just classmates we were friends. I am praying for you and the family I know God is able to comfort you and the children and grandchildren. During this difficult time may your memories bring you comfort. Staple and I were friends for over 65 years and he will be missed.
Malver and Family, I am saddened to hear Staple has passed. Being in his company was always a joy for me. I pray for strength, comfort, healing and love for you, Rodney, Robin and your entire family.
Terri
✨🙏🏽♥️🕊✝️✨
To Malver and family, we were deeply shocked and grieved to learn of Staple’s passing. Staple and I were high school classmates. I will always remember his pleasant and gregarious ways. It is hard to believe he is no longer with us. We send our deepest sympathy to you and all the Haynes family.
Rest 🙏🏾❤️🙏🏾❤️ Uncle
Consider the loving kindness of our Heavenly Father Mr. Bob can now rest and be at peace. We’ll always remember Mr. Bob as a kind and respectful Mentor, with a beautiful soul. Such a caring and intelligent Mentor who gave of himself . With Deepest Sympathy. Dominick Keenhold – Team Issachar family.
Anita Eakers
Malver and family – I am so sorry for your lost. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
May you treasure the wonderful memories that you made.
Condolences to the entire family. May the Grace of God comfort each of you.
From: Mattie Earl and the Earl family🙏🏽❤️.
Bob was one of my mentors in the Banking field having worked at Seattle First National Bank at the same time. Will miss his quiet wisdom.
Clarence and Frances Cal, Sr.
To: Mrs. Malver Haynes, Robin, Rodney, Maralie, and Griffin. The Cal Family shares the loss of your beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Mr. Robert Staple Haynes. We are Family and will always remember the after Church breakfasts, the many Tours, Southern University and Grambling Bayou Classics Games we shared, and how Mr. Haynes would smile his best smile when Frances and I showed up. Yes, he was a Jaguar, and Chaired the Puget Sound Charter Alumni Organization Meeting in the Camp Fire House in 1973. He was more than a Friend, he is Family. Frances is
still saying, “Lord, why Staple, He was one of a kind?” We extend our Prays and Love, Always.
The Cal Family
Mr. Bob I am praying for you and your family on this very sad evening on Saturday of 4/10 I am going into Team Issachar with your Thoughts and Prayers Amen
Jimmie Haynes Dr.
Sam Roberson
Malver, Rodney and Robin, Words seem inadequate to express our sadness over the sudden homegoing of Staple. What can we say? What can we do? Hold on to precious memories and lean on God, family and friends for comfort. We share your grief at this difficult time with deep sympathy and condolences. Love, Louis & Sandra
John Roach
Fred Jack
Don & Willa Evans
Malvern & Family. We are so sorry for your loss. Whenever I came to Seattle, he always made sure to come by for a visit and share a funny tidbit. Since Wane (Wanda) & Grover have been dealing with their challenges these last several years, I could breathe a little easier knowing that the two of you were there for them. Thank you. Relying on your faith in God, the love of family & friends and the wonderful memories you shared with Staple will sustain you.
A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. May you find peace and comfort as you mourn the loss of your beloved husband, and our dear friend, Staple Haynes.
Dear Mrs. Haynes and Family, Words cannot express the sadness I have for the loss of Mr. Haynes. He was not just a mentor to the young folks in Team Issachar but I considered him a mentor as well. His steady leadership, dedication, and genuine kindness will be deeply missed by all who interacted with him. God Bless You! Love, James, Leslie and Harper.
Alberta Jones
Brenda Bridgeforth Edwards
To: Estella And Ron Swann My sincere Sympathy to your family. May the Lord Bless all of you. Estella & Ron are devoted and beloved members of St. John Missionary Baptist Church -Indianapolis, Indiana.
Malver, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers on the loss of Robert. May he Rest In Peace!
I would like to express my condolences to the Haynes family. Malver, this is Bunny and wanted you to know I will be praying for you and your families comfort and peace . Staple was a great guy, and will truly be missed.
To the Haynes family I am truly sorry to hear about your great loss. I met he and his wife when we all were on a cruise to China. Truly a nice couple. You have my sympathy. May God bless you and the family .
My deepest Condolences to the Haynes family. I pray for continued strength, comfort and God’s embracing arms during this time.
Dear Malver,
We are praying that the Lord Bless and keep you and your family in the sudden loss of your dear and devoted husband. He was a caring, connected and conscientious father and friend to many. Be assured that God is still our refuge and strength even in these most trying times. Our world is a more humane and kinder place because Robert Staple Haynes walked among us and contributed in everything that he did. His legacy will never be forgotten.
May the Lord bless you and your family with the comfort that He is always there with you.
In sympathy,
Colleen Walls & Family
Robin and Mrs Haynes, I am so sorry to hear of your loss, you are definitely in my prayers. If you need anything I am a phone call away. Praying for God to give you the peace and comfort needed to get through this tough time. Love you guys.
Eli and Diane Mackey, we are saddened to hear of Bob’ s passing. Our heartfelt condolences to Malver and family. May God bless.
Dear Malver, Rodney and Robin, we are so saddened about the loss of Bob, he was a very special person and always on the “go to list” if we needed a treasurer! We are here for you if you need anything.
Much love,
The Qs
To Malver Haynes and family. The Seattle Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi gives our condolescience for lost of your husband, Robert Haynes. He was a brother, mentor, teacher, and friend to all members iif the chapter. He will be missed.
Patrick McCain
Polemarch, Seattle Alumni
To the Haynes Family:
Praying for you in your loss and wishing you peace and comfort during this difficult time. Asking God to enfold you in His faithful love and comfort you with the cherished memories of Staple you hold dear.
The Theodore R. Jackson Children
To Malver and the Haynes family, words never seem to be enough after someone has loss a loved one. Please accept my heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this extremely difficult time. We will forever keep you all in our prayers and thoughts.
I will cherish my memories of Brother Haynes, especially the last time I was in his presence at the 2019 Washington Rhinestones’ Debutante Ball.
He was great and well respected Fraternity brother and mentor who will dearly be missed.
I look forward to seeing him again on the Golden Shores.
God Bless,
Harry Murphy
Malver and family,
Peace be with you. God loves you and He will take care of you. Our hearts are heavy, but time wii heal. You are in our prayers.
Dedicated and faithful Malver and family,
We pray that God will “walk with you, hold your hand and talk to you on this journey. We will always remember Bob’s laughter, wisdom, and dedication to Mount Zion, its youth, and Seattle’s banking communities. He demonstrated Faith, Hope and Love. He is one of God’s servant angels. We treasure him, too.
This unique time in history brought the multigenerational Haynes family together virtually. Many who regularly traveled biennially to celebrate cherished bonds, cranked up their devices to connect monthly through Zoom. His great-nephew Jared, the Haynes family Zoom ‘technical director’ would ensure that Staple had his share of speaking time.
Uncle Staple practically had a perfect attendance record for these meetings, which was fitting, because 38 years ago, he and Aunt Malver hosted our very first reunion at their home in Seattle. A beloved member of the descendants of Billy and Emma Haynes. Uncle Staple consistently encouraged nieces, nephews, and cousins. He freely doled out advice on financial literacy and the importance of saving and investing.
A respected, favored son of Tensas Parish, he remained rooted in the foundation that cultivated his faith, work ethic, resilience and love of family.
Robert Haynes will be missed greatly for his teachings and ever unstopping Loyalty for 12 years at team issachar he has visited the world and has done many things I did not know our thoughts and Prayers for the Haynes family
God Help us
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Bob Haynes. A remarkable man with a distinguished career. RIP sir.
Stella, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your entire family in the loss of your brother, Staple (as we called him.) Your family should be so proud of his many contributions and accomplishments. Our families were neighbors in St. Joseph, LA, and you and I were friends from elementary school through college at Southern University. May God grant your family peace and comfort!