(cont'd)
Initially working as a salesman, BR traveled the eastern and central U.S. selling the company’s products, which at the time included a tractor-mounted mower, brush saw, tree girdler and post hole digger. After his father’s retirement, BR took the reins of the business and looked for ways to grow both the product line and the markets they reached.
During his time leading Little Beaver, BR focused on improving the business from a strategic standpoint. Recognizing the potential of the product in a wide variety of markets, from fencing and deck installation to signs and playground installation, BR was instrumental in expanding the company’s involvement in the rental and fencing industries. Under his leadership, the business was active in industry associations, joining ARA in 1961 and FenceTech in 1972. After a successful 27 years leading the company, BR passed the business to his sons, Joe and John, upon his own retirement in 1987.
BR’s ambition and knack for business showed itself in every facet of his life. He joined the Livingston Volunteer Fire Department in 1960 and was elected Chief in 1963, ultimately retiring from the department in 1977. Under his leadership, the department was brought into the modern era, with new equipment and a new station.
Though he was known in the industry as a pioneer and founder of Little Beaver, Inc., BR was also a devoted family man. He and his wife, Fayelene, were married 70 years, and raised five children. BR and Fayelene traveled extensively throughout the western U.S. after BR’s retirement, enjoying the many National Parks and other scenic areas.
BR was preceded in death by his parents, brother Newman Haynes Jr, infant son Jerry Don Haynes, son Jimmy Haynes and daughter Janice Haynes. He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years Fayelene (Kersh) Haynes; sons Joe Haynes and wife Nancy, John Haynes and wife Londa & David and wife Lisa, all of Livingston, and daughter-in-law Debbie Haynes of Loveland, CO. Grandchildren: Judy Stewart of Orlando, FL; Sarah Campbell of Loveland, CO (Dustin [Abby], Riley & Carley); April Wunderlick and husband Joe of Dallas (Jack & Luke); Matthew Haynes of Loveland, CO (Mason); Lauren Fraga and husband Kenny of Porter (Wyatt, Katie & Campbell); Joseph Haynes and wife Stacy of The Woodlands (Wilder); Andrew Haynes and wife Amanda of Livingston (Aden & Allie); Zachary Haynes and wife Katy of Livingston (Madison & Braxton); Ethan Haynes & wife Whitney of Livingston (Graham & Carter Kate); Austin Haynes and wife Brenda of Livingston (Ian); Kelsey Travis and husband Colin of Humble; Ryan Vick of Morgantown, WV; Brooke Koop and husband Jack of Houston; Kyle Haynes of Livingston; Blake Haynes of Oxford, MS; Jacob Haynes of Livingston; and Lilly Haynes of Livingston. Sister Francis McAlister of Liberty; niece Martha Black and Glenn of Cedar Creek, niece Cathy McAlister and Kathleen of Houston and niece Susan Haynes of Crockett.