Richard Kimmel Haines, 86, of Du Quoin, passed away at 8:08 a.m. Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Evelyn's House Hospice in St. Louis, MO.

Rich's life was one of service, kindness, and respect for others. He gave much of himself to his country, his community, and his family with an unwavering commitment to selfless service. Rich graduated from Du Quoin High School in 1957 and the University of Illinois in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Management. Rich completed OCS with the United States Marine Corps, completed the Navy/Marine Flight Program, and flew helicopters in Southeast Asia. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement as a pilot, two Purple Hearts, and twenty-six air medals. He was honorably discharged as a Captain in 1967.

Rich returned home to Du Quoin and was initially employed as an administrative assistant for the Du Quoin Coca-Cola Bottling Company/Du Quoin State Fair until 1971. He then moved to insurance sales and service. Rich broadened his scope of services, providing financial investment and advisement as President of Haines and Associates, Ltd., a financial services company.

Rich was a lifelong member of Du Quoin Methodist Church, where he conducted the choir beginning in 1967, and participated in the church as organist, pianist, Sunday school teacher, administrative board member, and on numerous committees. He also served his community as a member of the Marshall Browning Hospital Board for 27 years, including as Board Chair, as well as through the V.F.W., American Legion, and Elks Lodge, where he led a music program for the veterans' annual memorial service. Rich also served the City of Du Quoin, volunteering to be on the Fire and Police Pension Boards for several terms. He was a dedicated member of the Rotary Club of Du Quoin, and for twenty years he organized and conducted the well-known Rotary Honors Night, which recognizes academic excellence in grades four through eight. "Service Above Self," the Rotary motto, deeply resonated with Rich.

He served on the University of Illinois Alumni Association, University of Illinois Dad's Association, Wesley Foundation at Southern Illinois University, and the John A. Logan Foundation Board. Rich was also a member of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society and the USMC Combat Helicopter and Tiltrotor Association.

He was born December 9, 1939, in Du Quoin, IL, the son of Richard W. and Marybelle (Kimmel) Haines.

He married Mary Thornburg on February 14, 1970, in Du Quoin, IL, and she survives. Together they built a family and a home filled with music, friends, family, laughter, and love. Richard and Mary were longtime patrons of the St. Louis Symphony and shared a love of music and the arts.

He is survived by his wife, Mary, of Du Quoin; four children: Jean Mary Suycott of St. Louis, MO; Robert Andrew Haines and wife Katherine of Salem, OR; Jennifer Haines Howell and husband Martin of Gillette, NJ; and William Richard Haines and wife Cynthia of St. Louis, MO; eight grandchildren: Harry Haines-Gladney, Liam Haines and wife Madelena, Elijah Haines and wife Miriam, Rory Haines, Martin Howell, Jr., Katherine Howell, Isabella Haines, and Dennison Haines; and three sisters: Suzanne Crawford of Bozeman, MT; Mary Jo Novak and husband Charles of Du Quoin; and Sarah Cook and husband Robert of New Baden, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Rich's family is blessed and honored by his life. He was a gift to all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 2, 2026, at the Du Quoin Methodist Church, with Rev. April Turner officiating.

Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service on Friday at the church.

Burial will be in the Tamaroa Cemetery in Tamaroa, IL.

Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Du Quoin V.F.W., American Legion, and the United States Marine Corps.

Friends may make memorials to Du Quoin Methodist Church or Marshall Browning Hospital Tree of Life, and they will be accepted at the funeral home.

Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.