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Lepolian (Lee) Haynes entered the house of our heavenly Father on Dec. 4 at the age of 91. He was born on June 23, 1932, in Selma, to his late parents Ella Mae Warren and Ben Haynes. A highly decorated veteran, Lee had a successful career in the United States Air Force and retired after serving over 25 years. Lee is preceded in death by his wife of seventy years, Lillian, with whom he built a family and traveled the world before settling in Columbus, Ohio. In retirement, Lee enjoyed golfing and was always the life of the party, hosting events and attending social gatherings with his family and his close friends at the American Legion, the Retired Armed Forces Association (RAFA), and the Casual Social Club.

Lee is survived by his three children: Karen Haynes, Pamela (Bobby) Ware, and David (Judy) Haynes. Family was a huge part of Lee’s life and he cherished his four grandchildren: Shayla Haynes, Justin Smith, Victoria Bristol, and Kymberly Ware, as well as his two great-granddaughters Jaliyah Rhynehardt and Jayla Harris. His love of family extended to sister Loretta (Alphonso) Lewis, nephew Gregory Warren, best friend Ralph Knight, and a host of nephews, nieces, and close friends. Lee also delighted in time spent with his granddogs, Bennie, Charlotte, Coco, and Finn. We’d like to issue a special thank you to his RAFA family, to his friends at the American Legion and the Casual Social Club, and to all those whose lives Lee has touched.Visitation will be held on Dec. 19 from 10-11 am with a Funeral Mass immediately following at Christ The King Catholic Church, 2777 E Livingston Ave, Columbus, OH 43209. Burial will follow in procession to Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.