Lonnie J. "Pop" Haines

Lonnie J. Haines “Pop”, 70, of Milford, DE went home to be with Jesus peacefully on Thursday, December 17, 2020 at home surrounded by his family, just as he had wished.   Born in Wilmington, DE on October 9th, 1950 to the late Harry Hayward Haines Jr. & Charlotte (Johnson) Haines. Lonnie grew up on his family farm in Bear, DE & loved nothing more than farming that property along with the neighboring farms especially his dearest friends, the Moore family farm next door. As a young boy he would often explore the surrounding farms for hours. He was a part of the 4H program, active in the Delaware State Fair, and competed in the rodeo in Cowtown, NJ. He also enjoyed hunting on the farm, and was a competitive roller skater. He enjoyed his summers in Slaughter Beach, DE at their family's cottage boating, water skiing, crabbing and fishing. As he became a teenager he enjoyed working on cars & trucks, and riding motorcycles. Lonnie graduated from Brown Technical High School, in 1970, as a machinist.

He married his High School sweetheart, Sally, in 1971. Lonnie moved his family to Pennsylvania in the late 1970s. He eventually became an over the road truck driver. A job he loved performing for over 44 years, seeing 49 states of our beautiful country. Lonnie prided himself on his impeccable driving record, for which he had won several awards. He worked for multiple trucking companies over the years such as David Graham Trucking, TRISM, but he eventually retired from Joseph Eletto Transportation in the of Spring 2017.
Pop was an outgoing soul whom never met a stranger, he was quick to start up a conversation and never stop. He was more than willing to help anyone whenever possible. He was willing & able to fix just about anything that was broken over the years. Lonnie enjoyed fishing, crabbing, and boating especially with friends and family. He was always up to watch a Western movie or TV show especially after his retirement. He also enjoyed time out on his patio watching the birds and spending time with his puppies. Pop was grateful for all of the phone calls, visits, and fellowship with his friends and family over the last few years. Pop loved his family with all his heart, & often spoke about all of their accomplishments with pride and encouragement. 

He leaves behind the love of his life and wife of nearly 50 years Sally (Smith) Haines; his son Christopher Haines and his wife Allison; his daughter Cheri (Haines) Yerkes and her husband Mike. Lonnie has 4 grandchildren Camryn, Michael “MJ”, Madison, & Benjamin. He was preceded in death by both his parents, his brother William Haines, and a half-brother Reverend Ronald Haines.

In lieu of flowers Pop’s wishes were for donations to be made to the Ronald McDonald House. 

Unfortunately, due to COVID we are not able to have the service Pop wanted at this time; but we will be having a Celebration of Life Service at Eagle’s Nest Church, Milton, DE early next year. We will notify everyone via the newspaper and social media once we have it scheduled.  Arr. by Lofland Funeral Home, Milford. Letters of condolence may be shared with the family at www.loflandandmcknatt.com.

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