Michael R. Haynes, 61, of Independence, formerly of Gilliam, died Friday, September 24,  at his home.

Graveside services will held at 11 a.m. Friday, October 1, at Gilliam Cemetery, with Terry Jordan officiating.  Pallbearers will be Dennis Haynes, Kenny Haynes, Jared Haynes, Nathan Haynes, Brandon Haynes, and Quentin Vowells.  Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday at Weiker Funeral Home in Slater.  Memorials are suggested to the Sprint Car Hall of Fame or Gilliam Baptist Church in care of the funeral home.

Born October 6, 1959 in Marshall, he was the son of Billy Ray Haynes, who survives of Marshall, and the late Billie Frances Narron Haynes.  On November 4, 1989 in Wardsville, Missouri, he married Martha May Forck, and she preceded him in death on November 21, 2008.

Also surviving is a son, Justin Haynes and his wife Samantha of Sugar Creek; a granddaughter, Paisley May Haynes; two brothers, Dennis Haynes and his wife Kathy of Columbia, and Kenny Haynes and his wife Donna of Gilliam; and a sister, Anita Elson and her husband Mendell of Miami.

Mr. Haynes was a member of the Gilliam Baptist Church, and a 1977 graduate of Slater High School.  He was a member of the Local Unions #101 and #513.  He had worked as a truck driver and heavy equipment operator, most recently for Houston Excavating in Kansas City for eighteen years, until his retirement.  He had moved to Independence in 1987 from Jefferson City.