LeRoy William Haynes

LeRoy William Haynes December 12, 1931 – November 4, 2021 Obituary LeRoy William Haynes was born in Denver, Colorado on December 12,1931 to Pauline Frances Anderson and Elmer DeWitt Haynes, part of a pioneering group of African American families living in the Cherry Creek area in the late 1800’s. He was the fourth of eight children, three brothers and four sisters growing up on First and Madison next door to his beloved grandmother, Laura “Muddy” Anderson. LeRoy attended Ellsworth Elementary School, Gove Junior High School and graduated from East High School in 1950. He lettered in wrestling at East and later helped coach with his brother, Cliff, generations of young wrestlers. LeRoy married Anna Jo Garcia and the two raised five children in their home on Cook Street in the City Park North neighborhood. Their home, with its oversized yard, was a magnet for children in the neighborhood with a small playground, large garden, wonderful climbing tree and assorted pets. LeRoy had his hands full mowing, trimming and maintaining the yard with such active use and he taught them the skills and engaged all of his children in this effort. He instilled a love of outdoor recreation in his children when he purchased a small camper and took them on many trips camping, hiking fishing, rafting and swimming in the ocean on several trips to Mexico. LeRoy followed his brothers and cousins into the construction industry and worked at the Barnett Company for several years. He pursued electronics and computer studies which led him to become among the first African Americans to work at IBM in Boulder, CO in the early 60’s. He left IBM after a couple of years to start his own company, Communication Enterprises, providing electrical and communications services and repairs for over three decades. Among his notable projects was the design and installation of fire alarm and security systems at Uptown Village in Capitol Hill and design and installation of communication systems in several school buildings for Denver Public Schools. LeRoy grew up in a family that enjoyed music and dancing and he and his brother, Cliff, carried this passion into their adult lives and both became avid square dancers. LeRoy participated in a few clubs and rarely missed a week of his beloved avocation until his last few years when he unable to dance. He was a proud member of the Rocky Tops and Denver Area Singles groups. Many of his fondest moments were spent with his friends “do-si-doing” and swinging his partner ‘round.” LeRoy enlisted in the United States Naval Air Reserves in 1954 and continued to serve until his retirement in 1986. His naval experiences took him to many places across the U.S. and around the world, including Hawaii, Spain and Cuba. He developed lasting friendships in the Navy including one in which he involved his family and the family of his Navy buddy from the Navajo Nation in New Mexico. He was very proud of his military service and in his final years at the Veterans Community Living Center at Fitzsimons, he was rarely seen without his Navy Veteran baseball cap. LeRoy followed his mother’s footsteps in becoming a life-long member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist on 14th and Logan. His faith journey gave him immense peace and joy, especially in his final days where he enjoyed the love and warmth of his church community along with the words of faith and beautiful and reverent music that surrounded him. For over 40 years, he proudly spent every Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday volunteering for the Salvation Army to serve meals to the less fortunate. He was the recipient of an Outstanding Volunteer Award from Salvation Army in recognition of his long-time service. LeRoy leaves to cherish his memory, five children, Allegra “Happy” Haynes, Khadija Katherine Haynes (Donna), Michael Leroy Haynes, Mary Lorraine Haynes, LeAnn Haynes White; grandchildren, Chris Haynes Smith, Brock Jones, Alexis Garnett Haynes, Max Garnett Haynes, Brynn Marie White, Jacobo William Haynes, Joshua Bryan White; one great granddaughter, Jaxyn Smith; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; dear friend, Barbara Isaacs, and the wonderfully warm and caring staff of the Veterans Community Living Center at Fitzsimons. Celebration of Life – Saturday, December 4, 2021 – 11:00 am Blair Caldwell African American Research Library, 2401 Welton St, Denver, CO 80205 (A video recording of the ceremony will be available afterwards via this link: https://allstatesnew.funeraltechweb.com/tribute/details/230801/LeRoy-Haynes/obituary.html#tribute-start ) In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the East Angel Friends & Alumni Foundation PO Box 6015, Denver, CO 80206, https://www.coloradogives.org/EastAngelFriendsandAlumniFoundation