John P. Haskins

John Paul Haskins, born March 3, 1938, passed away on August 29, 2017, at the age of 79. John was born the first of three sons to Cherry Hall and Ida Mae (Jordan) Haskins. His youngest brother, Jerry Leon Haskins, died in 2003, and his brother, Marcus Abbott Haskins, resides in Oregon. John is survived by his immediate family, consisting of Linda Marie (Rhodes) Haskins, his wife of 45 years, and their two children, Angela Marie Wix and Corey Dwayne Haskins. He was also father to Victoria Lynn, John Paul Junior, and Darryl Kevin Haskins. John was step-father to Stephani Lenn Boykin and Rodney Eugene Barrett, also children of his wife Linda. His is a large and blended family consisting of numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and their children. Additionally, he had over 40 grandchildren and great grandchildren, all of whom lovingly called him "Grandpa." John graduated from Westport High School in 1956 and then enlisted in the U. S. Army. After his basic training and six months of active duty, he was released with an honorable discharge and served in the Army Reserve until 1964. He was skilled at everything he did, from fencing and professional floor and tile installation to engineering for the railroad. In 2004, he retired as an engineer after nearly 25 years with Union Pacific. John remained active after retirement, spending numerous hours in his woodworking workshop making furniture and keepsake boxes for many family members and friends. Most of the pieces were hand engraved with names and dates. He loved crossword puzzles and word games, playing cards, and he could grow a garden better than most. He loved to make and eat homemade ice cream. John will always be remembered by all for his well developed sense of humor and his undying dedication to his family. He was a good man and will be sorely missed.