Marvin Haines

Marvin Haines

April 8, 1923 - Jan. 10, 2023

BENKELMAN, Neb. — Marvin Ellis “Burr” Haines passed away at the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman on Jan. 10, 2023, at the age of 99 years of age.

Marvin was born to Russell Alva Haines and Daisy Ellis Haines on April 8, 1923, in Payette, Idaho. After the death of his father when he was two, Marvin lived with his grandparents in Benkelman, where he attended school and graduated from high school.

Marvin served in his country’s military during World War II. He joined the Army on Sept. 22, 1941, and was trained as a radio operator and airborne infantryman. He was assigned to several airborne units during the war, the first being the 550th Airborne Infantry Battalion in the Panama Canal Zone. Eventually his unit was shipped out and served in North Africa, Sicily and Southern France before going into action in the drive on Germany. Marvin fought in the Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes where he narrowly escaped capture when he took the time to save his radio during an emergency evacuation. Later that year, his unit was part of Operation Varsity through which Allied forces crossed the Rhine River into Germany and then fought their way across the northern portion of that country until the Nazi surrender.

Upon receiving his discharge, Marvin returned to Benkelman and worked as a depot agent for the Burlington railway until 1959. He then began his career with the U.S. Postal Service working out of the office in Benkelman until his retirement in 1985.

Marvin was a longtime member of Justice Lodge No. 180 and served as Secretary and Worshipful Master.

Marvin was married to Donna Belle Wilson on July 17, 1948, at Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman. The couple traveled to Oregon often to spend time with family and fish on the Columbia River. After they retired, Marvin and Donna spent time during the winters in Texas.

Marvin was preceded in death by his wife; parents; and step-father, Marvin Brunt.

He is survived by brother-in-law, Jack Wilson of Imperial, Neb.; step-brother, David Brunt of Omaha, Neb.; and a host of nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Burr.

Funeral services will be Monday morning, Jan. 16, 2023, 10:30 a.m., at the Zion Lutheran Church of Benkelman with Pastor Jim Gleason officiating. Internment (with full military honors) will follow at the Benkelman Cemetery, Benkelman.

Visitation will be Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, before services starting at 9 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church of Benkelman.

A memorial in Marvin’s memory has been suggested to the American Legion Post No. 65, Benkelman.

Online condolences maybe left at liewerfuneralhome.com

Benkelman Memorial Chapel entrusted with arrangements.