David D. Haines

David D. Haines, 84. Born August 28, 1933 in Akron, Ohio. Passed away April 14, 2018 in Piqua, Ohio. Dearest father of David Kris (Mary Ann) Haines, Debra L. Lynch and Douglas A. (Laura) Haines. Dearest brother to Terry L. (Jeannie) Haines and Betty (Bill) Zekan (deceased). Devoted grandfather to Kelli and Sarah Lynch; and Andrew H. (Caitlin) and Luke A. Haines. Loving uncle to Donald and Laurie Zekan (deceased); and to Terry L. (Kelly) Haines Jr. and Holly J. (Tom) Leonhard; loving son of David and Lucille (Boarman) Haines.
Growing up in Akron, Ohio he attended Kenmore high school where he was a standout football player. He was recruited and offered a scholarship by Coach Ara Parseghian to play football at the University of Miami (Ohio) where he was an offensive lineman for his four years. Some of his teammates went on to be coaches such as Bo Schembechler and Johnny Pont.

After graduation, he served in the military in the army’s rebuilding effort of Japan after WW2 and during Korean conflict. When his service was completed, Coach Parseghian helped get him his first coaching job at Elkhart Central (Ind.) in 1958. Coach Haines, as most people knew him by, was again helped by Coach Parseghian in 1960 to interview for another position with Sidney High School which he accepted. 

From 1960 until 1974, Coach Haines compiled an 85-60-3 record with seven winning seasons and a stretch from 1968 -1970 record in which the Jackets were 30-0. His teams won MVL conference titles in 1968, 1969 and 1970 and he was named Ohio Coach of the Year. He also had the honor of coaching the South All Star squad in the yearly North - South High School All Star game in Canton in 1971.

His dedication to football was secondary to that of his former players, many who went to Vietnam to serve their country in a questioned war. He quietly reached out to the families of his players who were killed in the conflict and sought and consoled those who came back. His love and dedication to his family was second to none. As a coach, one of his players said, “He might reprimand you, but a minute later would put his arm around you to let you know you were greatly cared about.” Coach Haines, you may not have always received the thanks deserved, but you will be missed greatly.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, April 19, 2018, at Adams Funeral Home, 1401 Fair Road, Sidney with Pastor Ernie Jones officiating.  Burial will follow in Fletcher Cemetery, Fletcher.  Friends may call from 4:00 - 7:00 PM on Wednesday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Americna Heart and Lung Association, 4050 Executive Park Dr Ste 402, Cincinnati, OH 45241.  Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.theadamsfuneralhome.com.

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