Mr. Eric Von Haynes

Eric Von Haynes was born on April 19, 1953 in St. Louis, Missouri, the eldest of three children born to the late Edward and Ethel L. (McDonald) Haynes. He was the proud brother of two sisters, Desiree (Desi) Haynes-Ashburn, and Angela Haynes Although he did not have a brother, as an adolescent, Eric befriended Herman Allen, developing a ride-or-die brotherhood that lasted a lifetime. Growing up in church, Eric established an unwavering faith in God and considered him to be his greatest source of strength. He loved reading and studying the bible, spending quiet time in deep thought, meditation, and prayer, and sharing about the goodness of God.. Eric graduated from University City Senior High School (1972) and continued his education at South Illinois University, Edwardsville, where he studied liberal arts. He also married and started a family during this time. In following the Haynes-Baucum military tradition since World War II, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1976, proudly serving overseas as Staff Sergeant and Telecommunications Specialist. He retired after 20 years of service. Now single, he embarked upon a new career in Raleigh, North Carolina where he would be close to his sister Desiree. Eric served as a broadcast telecommunication engineer and was employed at Robert's Broadcasting Companies (WNCN, WFPX and ION Media/WRPX) for 18 years. As the chief broadcast operator, he maintained services for broadcasting transmission, master control and automation. He was also active in his church's Gatekeepers/Men's Ministry and the Care Ministry. In fact, he was a caregiver at heart, having also provided loving care to numerous family members during their time of illness. Eric's children were his heartbeat. Just hearing their voices brought joy to his heart. He loved hearing updates on their lives, encouraging them, inspiring them, letting them know how proud he was of them and reminding them how much he loved them. In 2009, Eric ventured onto the Match.com dating site where he met Vicki Robinson. Although they lived 300 miles apart, they developed a long-distance friendship until, months later, agreeing to finally meet in person. Eric excitedly made the long-distance drive to Maryland. He and Vicki married in 2017. Upon relocating to Maryland, Eric, previously referred to as "Mr. Eric" became affectionately known as "Papa", "Pops" and "Pop-E. (poppy)," the one whose big smile and a big bear hug made you feel especially loved; the one who scooped up the grandkids as they ran in with knee-cap hugs. He was also the one the fellas would pull aside for some one-on-one guy talk. He always had an ear to hear and an encouraging word to impart. Throughout his health journey, Eric held fast to his faith, declaring from the beginning that he would walk by faith and not by sight. One of his favorite scriptures was Isaiah 40:31 - "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Time and time again, he experienced new strength, often putting away his wheelchair and walking on his own, amazing even his doctors and serving as a source of encouragement to others, which was always his greatest desire. Eric leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Vicki Robinson-Haynes, one son, Eric Von Haynes, Jr. (Risa) of Chicago, IL; one daughter, Ita Haynes of Belleville, IL; three step-sons, Waymon Robinson (LeTasia) of District Heights, MD; Victor Robinson of Oxon Hill, MD; Trey Robinson (Kady) of District Heights, MD; one sister, Angela Haynes - a.k.a. "baby sister" (Chivas Johnson), of Belleville, IL, eleven grandchildren, two brother-in laws, Tony Stanfield (Wanda), James Stanfield (Janet); one sister-in-law, Valerie Stanfield-Holmes (Melvin); one nephew, Rene Donaldson; one niece, Sheena Parmer (Tony); and a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ethel McDonald-Haynes, father, Edward Haynes, sister, Desiree Haynes-Ashburn, father-in-law, Sewell Stanfield, mother-in-law, Ella Stanfield-Hines, and brother-in-law, George Ashburn.

Mr. Eric Von Haynes

April 19, 1953 - August 13, 2024