Lawson LaFaun “Al” Haynes, 70, of Madison lost his battle with pancreatic cancer Aug. 7. He was resting peacefully in his home at night surrounded by his family.

Mr. Haynes was born on Sept. 11, 1939, in Hodges to Pearce and Eva Haynes. He attended, and played basketball for, Hackleburg High School, where he graduated in 1957. He then moved to Madison after graduation. He married his high school sweetheart Elizabeth Cockrum in 1960; they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 5th of this year.

Mr. Haynes served in the U.S. Army Reserve and had a career as a civil servant for over 35 years with the Army and with the Defense Investigative Service in Huntsville. During his service, he was awarded the Meritorious Civilian Service Award, the ASIS Award for Industrial Security, and numerous awards for outstanding and exceptional service.

Mr. Haynes was active in the community of Madison for many years, serving as a school trustee, a Little League coach, and a member of the recreation board. He was also an active member of the square dancing club for 25 years.

He retired in 1994 and built a home on the Tennessee River in Athens to pursue his passions for fishing, boating, hunting, reading, crossword puzzles, telling jokes at neighborhood parties, and enjoying life on the river with his grandchildren, who called it “Papaw’s river.” In 2004, he returned to Madison and became a member of the Mount Zion Baptist Church.

Mr. Haynes is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Haynes of Madison; his son, Davy Haynes and wife Mary Beth of Huntsville; his daughter, Liane Barkley and husband Waylon of Jacksonville, Fla.; his five grandchildren, Devin Acker, Michelle Acker, Alec Haynes, Nicholas Haynes, and Leah Haynes; and his brother, Hollis Haynes and wife Joan of Rome, N.Y.

Madison Chapel Funeral Home is providing arrangements. Visitation was held at Mount Zion Baptist Church on Mount Zion Road in Huntsville on Aug. 10, from noon until 2 p.m. Funeral services were held immediately afterward at Mount Zion Baptist Church at 2 p.m., officiated by Bro. Ron Madison. Mr. Haynes was laid to rest at Huntsville Memory Gardens in Huntsville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to any cancer research organization, the Mount Zion Baptist Church Building Fund, or Hospice Family Care of Madison County.

The family wishes to thank all the friends and relatives who have provided loving support and friendship.

Online condolences may be made at Madisonchapelfuneralhome.com.