Anthony Haynes

Anthony Haynes who was affectionately known as “Superman” and “Big Daddy” was born October 28, 1964, in Chicago, Illinois to Shirley Haynes and Joseph Rodgers. He was one of four children born to that union.  

Anthony was raised in the Altgeld Gardens housing community and was a proud alumnus of Carver High School class of 1982.   

He met the love of his life, Mildred “Niecy” Martinez at a local grocery store on Memorial Day in 1994.  He gave her his phone number; she called him and that was the beginning of their 30-year romance.  They lived in Chicago, Illinois for a time but seeking a slower pace of life relocated to Kalamazoo, Michigan on October 2, 2013. 

Anthony held several jobs in his lifetime but was last employed as a Fork-Lift Driver for Western Diversified Plastics in Mattawan, Michigan.  

Anthony was always willing to help any and everyone, no matter what. Anthony also enjoyed spending time with family and friends, fishing, working on cars and WORKING, some would say he was a Workaholic.  

He was preceded in death by his parents: Shirley Haynes and Joseph Rodgers; brothers: Joseph T. Rodgers, and Kenneth Haynes; sister: Veronica Haynes; grandparents: Clara Haynes and Robert Haynes; and grandchildren: Tyreik Daniels, and Tionna Nunn.  

Anthony was granted his wings on Sunday, July 16, 2023, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan.   

Anthony was loved by his family and leaves behind a legacy of love and loyalty to his family, his loving spouse of 30 years: Mildred Martinez; two children, ten grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews: Quinton Sprull, Kenneth Haynes, Kenyada Haynes, Ken Kevin Haynes, Kenashley Haynes, Marissa Dobynes, Richard Smith, and Laurencia Haynes; sister-in-law: Hope Miller Haynes; cousins: Beverly Haynes, Shirley (Anita) Haynes, Gwendolyn Haynes, and Clifton Haynes; aunt: Girtha Lee Haynes and a host of other relatives and friends.  

Anthony, the Gentle Giant, will be deeply missed by all who have had the pleasure of knowing him. His kind heart, warm smile, and gentle spirit will forever be cherished in our memory.  May he rest in peace. 

I could search the earth a thousand times and I would never find another to take your place.  You were my lover, my friend, and my confidant.  I will forever love you, my beloved Tony, my Superman. “Niecy” 

The Lord’s Prayer 

Our Father which art in heaven. Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.