Fern Richard Haines

Fern Richard Haines, 96, of Taneytown, died unexpectedly on Saturday, November 26, 2022 at his home.  Born February 8, 1926 in Keysville, MD.  He was the son of the late Carl and Vergie Haines.  He was the devoted husband of Louise (Sheckler) Haines, to whom he was married for 75 years.

Fern was a dedicated farmer in Carroll County all of his life and was a member of Maryland Farm Bureau.  He served as an avid volunteer for the Harney and Taneytown Fire Companies, holding many positions of leadership.  Fern was President of the Carroll County Fireman Association in 1968.  As a member of the Taneytown Lions Club and Chamber of Commerce, he was committed to service.  In addition to farming, Fern was a School Bus driver and a former Bus Contractor.  Fern was a life long member of Keysville Lutheran Church.

He was known for his trips to town in his pickup truck, for a visit to McDonalds, breakfast at Country Kitchen or for a Friday night card game at the Fire Department.  More importantly was his nightly drive to Taneytown to put the town to bed. 

Surviving, in addition to his wife, Louise, are his children, Eleanor Slaback and husband Les of Gaithersburg, MD, Richard Haines and wife Diana of Taneytown, Doris Kiser and husband Terry, of Keymar, James Haines and wife Shirley, of Taneytown and Glenn Haines and wife Karen of Taneytown.  He had eleven grandchildren, twenty great grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by a sister, Vivian Dougherty and a granddaughter, Kelly Haines Hale.

Visitation will be held on Friday , December 2nd  from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home 136 E. Baltimore St., Taneytown, MD 21787.  A Fire Company Memorial Service will be held at 7 p.m.  that evening.  Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 3rd at Keysville Lutheran Church, 7301 Keysville Road, Keymar, MD with Deacon Charles Barnhart Jr. officiating.  Burial will follow the service at Keysville Union Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Taneytown Fire Company, 39 E Baltimore Street, Taneytown, MD 21787 or Keysville Lutheran Church, 7301 Keysville Road, Keymar, MD 21757.