A celebration of life service for William "Bill" W. Haynie, M.D. of Butler, Missouri was held May 30, 2026 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.
William “Bill” Wade Haynie, M.D., 96, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on May 12, 2026.
Bill was born on July 13, 1929, to Carl Fleming Haynie and Wadean Evelyn (Little) Haynie of Miami, Missouri. He was the oldest of three children and from a young age demonstrated the ambition, determination, and curiosity that would define the many “hats” he wore throughout his remarkable life.
One of Bill’s earliest passions was aviation. Captivated by the open skies, he sold his clarinet at the age of fourteen and convinced his mother to allow him to take flying lessons before he was even old enough to drive. His love of flying stayed with him throughout his life, eventually leading him to purchase his own airplane and sharing the joy of flight with countless family members and friends.
Bill graduated from high school in Excelsior Springs, Missouri in 1947 before proudly serving his country in the Navy Reserves from 1947 to 1951 and the United States Army with the 4th Infantry from 1951 to 1953. Following his military service, he utilized the GI Bill to pursue higher education at the University of Missouri in Kansas City and the University of Missouri in Columbia. Determined to achieve his dream of becoming a physician, he worked three different jobs while attending college to help pay for tuition and expenses.
In 1964, Bill moved to Butler, Missouri, where he began his storied career as a family practice physician. Over the decades, he became far more than a doctor to the people of Butler and Bates County—he became a trusted friend, confidant, and steadfast presence in the lives of generations of families. His compassion was evident not only in the medical care he provided, but in the time he spent listening and caring deeply for others.
Bill experienced the profound joy of delivering babies into the world and the sacred honor of comforting patients and families during life’s final moments. Believing strongly that patients deserved dignity and comfort at the end of life, he played an instrumental role in bringing Heartland Hospice to Butler so more individuals could pass peacefully in their own homes surrounded by loved ones. He also worked tirelessly to ensure the local hospital had the resources necessary to provide the best care possible for the community he loved so dearly.
After more than five decades of practicing medicine, Bill retired in 2019 on his 90th birthday—a milestone that reflected both his dedication to medicine and his unwavering commitment to his patients.
Outside of medicine, Bill embraced life with enthusiasm and adventure. Above all else, Bill was a proud and devoted father to his three children. He found great joy in teaching them not only life skills, but also a deep appreciation for the world around them. From teaching them how to fish, hunt, ride bikes, throw a football, and play baseball, to sharing his love of nature, gardening, flying, and fast cars, he created countless memories that his family will cherish forever. Through every adventure outdoors and every lesson along the way, he passed down his curiosity, enthusiasm, and love for living life to the fullest. Bill married Joyce on May 10, 1981 and joyfully gained a stepdaughter as well. Bill and Joyce shared 45 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, friendship, and adventure. Together they enjoyed traveling, making memories on countless trips, and spending cherished time with dear friends and family.
Bill was an active member of the Rotary Club, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). He served as a Bates County deputy sheriff for a period of time.
Bill held a Federal Firearms License (FFL), owning and operating W.W.’s Sports World for many years. Through the business, he shared his lifelong passion for firearms, hunting, and sportsmanship with countless others. He loved the color red and had a passion for fast and classic cars, finding joy in the freedom of the open road.
Bill lived every ounce of life he was given. His legacy will endure not only through his family, but through the countless lives he touched and the many contributions he made to the Butler and Bates County communities over so many years. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.
Bill is survived by his wife, Joyce Haynie of Butler, Missouri; two daughters, Barbara LeGrande and Phyllis (Dennis) Evans, all of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; one son, David (Rebecca) Haynie of Amoret, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Beth (Derrick) Young, Lindsey (Bryan) Webb, Andi Haynie, Connor LeGrande, Julia (Jacob) Bullimore, Richard “Sloan” LeGrande, Gage (A.J.) Haynie and Dakota Haynie; three great-grandchildren, Brigham Webb, Hadleigh Young and Stellan Webb; his brother, C.F. (Mercedes) Haynie of Dunedin, Florida; his sister, Carla Fricke of Texas; and his stepdaughter, Joanna Hogan of Butler, Missouri. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; favorite uncle, Buck Little; brother-in-law, Spencer; and many other beloved relatives.
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