Joe David Haines, 76, of Fort Wayne, passed away peacefully at home and went to be with our Eternal Lord and Savior on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
Joe was born on February 22, 1950, to the late Walter and Martha Haines in Washington Court House, Ohio. He graduated in 1968 from Washington Court House High School, and moved to Fort Wayne to attend Sam’s Technical College. While at college, Joe met the love of his life, Kathleen (Cains) Haines, while working at Mr. Wiggs. It was at this time that he decided to live out his remaining days in Fort Wayne.
On November 14, 1970, Joe and Kathy married at St. Jude Catholic Church. It was shortly after that they welcomed three beautiful daughters, Angie (Jeff) Whitacre, Cheryl Haines, and Tricia (Chris) Lilly.
Joe worked as a maintenance technician at Tokheim Corporation for over 30 years and retired as a maintenance technician from AccuGear in 2015. During retirement, he kept himself busy by tinkering around in the garage on little projects as he was the “master of his perfect chaos”, attending his grandchildren’s sporting and school events, and talking with anyone who would lend an ear. He was known to be a caring, but stubborn man, as he would always insist that “I can do it”. He also worked at Berger’s Automotive Repair Shop as a courtesy driver, and then Parkview Regional Medical Center as an employee shuttle driver.
Joe was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Church and the Masonic Summit City Lodge #170.
Joe is survived by his wife of almost 56 years, his three favorite daughters, seven grandchildren: Michaela (Skyler) and Collin Whitacre, Austin (Alexes) and Dalton Pearson, Makayla (Terry), Colten, and Cyann (Drew) Lilly, and seven great-grandchildren: Myla and Maverick Eicher, Roman, Thea, and Duke Pearson, Tyler and Ellie Nickolson. He is also survived by brothers Galen (Juanita) Haines and Dale Haines, sister-in-law Kay Cains, brother-in-law, Gary Lewellen, “adopted son and daughter” Tito and Amanda Carrasquillo, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister-in-law Don and Ann Cains, brother-in-law John Cains, and sister-in-law’s Gerri Lewellen and Lynn Haines.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Fairhaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 6557 N. Clinton St, Fort Wayne, IN 46825 with visitation one hour prior. Visitation will also be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a Masonic Service at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at Fairhaven Funeral Home. Burial will be at Highland Park Cemetery, Fort Wayne. Memorials can be written to the American Heart Association or Parkview Hospice.