Wallace Lynford Haynes

Wallace "Wally" Lynford Haynes passed away on September 22, 2026, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of resilience, global adventure, and deep devotion to his faith and family. Born on January 29, 1936, in Washington, D.C., to Lawrence Lynford Haynes and Lucy May Hitaffer, Wally was the fourth of eight children.

Growing up in the D.C. area, Wally developed an early strength of character and independence. At just 14 years old, he struck out on his own, living in a rooming house while supporting himself by doing printing work for the National Rifle Association. He later went on to serve honorably for eight years in the Air Force Reserves.

It was at an Arthur Murray Dance Studio that Wally met Mary Louise Oertly. They were married on July 29, 1955, and were blessed with three children. His career and life adventures took his young family abroad, including memorable year-long residences in both Iceland and Germany. Though Wally and Mary later divorced, they remained permanently bonded by the family they built together.

Wally's professional life was nothing short of extraordinary. He accepted a position with NASA, collaborating closely with a research scientist on projects that took him to the far corners of the earth. His work mapping and studying the globe brought him to the Magnetic North Pole in Northern Canada, as well as India, Italy, Norway, New Zealand, France, England, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Greece, Iran, and Sri Lanka. Following a reduction in force at NASA, Wally transitioned his expertise to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a move that brought him to Salt Lake City, Utah.

In Utah, Wally joined Toastmasters International, where fate introduced him to the true love of his life, Joan Brown McNeil. They were married on March 6, 1981, beginning a beautiful partnership that spanned more than 45 years in their West Valley City home. A year after their wedding, Wally was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The following year, he and Joan were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple.

A dedicated member of his faith, Wally held the Melchizedek Priesthood as a High Priest. He served faithfully in numerous church callings, though his absolute favorites were serving as a ward mission leader and a family history specialist. His passion for family history was matched only by the countless hours he spent meticulously researching his own genealogy.

Wally and Joan cherished their time split between city life and country living after purchasing a small acreage in Sanpete County, Utah. Fondly known as "The Farm," the property featured a pioneer house, a barn, and outbuildings. Together, they embraced the rewards of rural life-tending to goats and calves, planting trees, and trying their hands at farming in a peaceful sanctuary where they shared many happy years.

A man of endless curiosity and varied talents, Wally was an avid gardener, a gifted scientist, an inventor, and a dynamic public speaker. He always had several experiments and inventions underway at any given time. He was also a passionate writer, leaving behind a beautiful collection of poetry, short stories, and written histories.

Wally lived a life of profound generosity, volunteering his time with the Arthritis Association and Junior Achievement, and delivering food for the local food bank. He was entirely selfless, genuinely dedicated to lifting up anyone in need. Above all his achievements, Wally was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He possessed a wonderfully playful spirit and was a notorious practical joker who delighted in playing pranks on his grandchildren.

Wally is survived by the love of his life, his wife Joan. He leaves behind his children, Marietta Haynes of Florida, Tatiana Haynes of Utah, and Alan Haynes (Lisa) of California; and his bonus children, Zinda Welch (Michael) of Idaho, Darrie Schultz of Utah, and Perry McNeil (Natalie) of California. He is also survived by his brother, Bradley Haynes of Virginia; his sister, Sue Parsee of California; and many cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren

The service will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the LDS Church meetinghouse, located at 4715 South 4300 West, Kearns, Utah.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, located at 4330 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah.

A viewing will also be available one hour prior to the service. Wallace "Wally" Lynford Haynes passed away on September 22, 2026, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of resilience, global adventure, and deep devotion to his faith and family. Born on January 29, 1936, in Washington, D.C., to Lawrence Lynford Haynes and Lucy May Hitaffer, Wally was the fourth of eight children.

Growing up in the D.C. area, Wally developed an early strength of character and independence. At just 14 years old, he struck out on his own, living in a rooming house while supporting himself by doing printing work for the National Rifle Association. He later went on to serve honorably for eight years in the Air Force Reserves.

It was at an Arthur Murray Dance Studio that Wally met Mary Louise Oertly. They were married on July 29, 1955, and were blessed with three children. His career and life adventures took his young family abroad, including memorable year-long residences in both Iceland and Germany. Though Wally and Mary later divorced, they remained permanently bonded by the family they built together.

Wally's professional life was nothing short of extraordinary. He accepted a position with NASA, collaborating closely with a research scientist on projects that took him to the far corners of the earth. His work mapping and studying the globe brought him to the Magnetic North Pole in Northern Canada, as well as India, Italy, Norway, New Zealand, France, England, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Greece, Iran, and Sri Lanka. Following a reduction in force at NASA, Wally transitioned his expertise to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a move that brought him to Salt Lake City, Utah.

In Utah, Wally joined Toastmasters International, where fate introduced him to the true love of his life, Joan Brown McNeil. They were married on March 6, 1981, beginning a beautiful partnership that spanned more than 45 years in their West Valley City home. A year after their wedding, Wally was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The following year, he and Joan were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple.

A dedicated member of his faith, Wally held the Melchizedek Priesthood as a High Priest. He served faithfully in numerous church callings, though his absolute favorites were serving as a ward mission leader and a family history specialist. His passion for family history was matched only by the countless hours he spent meticulously researching his own genealogy.

Wally and Joan cherished their time split between city life and country living after purchasing a small acreage in Sanpete County, Utah. Fondly known as "The Farm," the property featured a pioneer house, a barn, and outbuildings. Together, they embraced the rewards of rural life-tending to goats and calves, planting trees, and trying their hands at farming in a peaceful sanctuary where they shared many happy years.

A man of endless curiosity and varied talents, Wally was an avid gardener, a gifted scientist, an inventor, and a dynamic public speaker. He always had several experiments and inventions underway at any given time. He was also a passionate writer, leaving behind a beautiful collection of poetry, short stories, and written histories.

Wally lived a life of profound generosity, volunteering his time with the Arthritis Association and Junior Achievement, and delivering food for the local food bank. He was entirely selfless, genuinely dedicated to lifting up anyone in need. Above all his achievements, Wally was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He possessed a wonderfully playful spirit and was a notorious practical joker who delighted in playing pranks on his grandchildren.

Wally is survived by the love of his life, his wife Joan. He leaves behind his children, Marietta Haynes of Florida, Tatiana Haynes of Utah, and Alan Haynes (Lisa) of California; and his bonus children, Zinda Welch (Michael) of Idaho, Darrie Schultz of Utah, and Perry McNeil (Natalie) of California. He is also survived by his brother, Bradley Haynes of Virginia; his sister, Sue Parsee of California; and many cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren

The service will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the LDS Church meetinghouse, located at 4715 South 4300 West, Kearns, Utah.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, located at 4330 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah.

A viewing will also be available one hour prior to the service.