Richard Haynie

Richard Haynie, 93, of Springfield, MO, passed away on Monday, June 24, 2024.
Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 28, 2024 in the Glenwood, IA Cemetery.
Loess Hills Funeral Home in Glenwood is caring for Richard and his family.

Memorials: Directed to the family

OBITUARY
Richard Marion Haynie, known affectionately as Dick, passed away on June 24, 2024, at the age of 93 in Springfield, MO. Born on December 21, 1930 to Richard Manuel and Mary Ellen (McKern) Haynie, in Mills County, Iowa, Dick's early years on a farm shaped a life marked by resilience and determination.
Dick's tenacity was evident from his youth, starting work at just 5 years old. His adventurous spirit led him to join the U.S. Air Force in 1950, where he served with distinction, including two deployments to Japan. Known for always volunteering for assignments, his military service was a precursor to a life of exploration and achievement.
After his discharge, Dick pursued higher education vigorously. He earned a Bachelor of Science from Iowa State University in 1959, a Master's Degree from the University of Arizona in 1960, and a Doctorate in Civil Engineering from Colorado State University in 1964. It was at CSU where he met and married Elvera Billington. The couple settled in Manhattan, KS, where Dick taught Hydrologic Engineering at Kansas State University.
In 1970, he founded RM Haynie and Associates, a civil engineering consulting firm. Even at the age of 85, Dick was actively involved in his business, running a drill rig performing geotechnical investigations.
In 1975 he married Bella Wirtz and they enjoyed 47 wonderful years together.
Dick's love for travel allowed him to explore much of the United States, which provided many memories for his children.
He is survived by his children, Richard Mark Haynie (Babette) of Queen Creek, AZ; Susan Haynie (Bill Kaufman) of Norwalk, IA; Mary Jackson (Mike) of Springfield, MO; siblings, Ila Sutton of Mission, TX; William Haynie of Providence, RI; step children, Ronald Wirtz (Karen) of Leawood, KS; Robert Wirtz (Fran) of Boulder, CO; Deborah Kirby (Steve) of St. George, KS; Thomas Wirtz (Korrinna Kientz) of Manhattan, KS; Patricia Wirtz (Doug Berke) of Mansfield, TX; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Dick was preceded in death by his wife Bella Haynie, stepdaughter Becky Arnett, and brother James Haynie.
Dick Haynie's life was a testament to hard work, love for family, and a never-ending curiosity about the world. His legacy will be cherished and remembered by all who knew him.