"His Story"

The Man
Carnell Winston Haynes was born December 17, 1932 in Clarksville, Oklahoma to Harvey and Mable Haynes. Carnell attended Clarksville Elementary, promoting on to Carter G. Woodson High in Tallahassee, Oklahoma, until his junior year when he relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma. Searching for employment in Tulsa, Mr. Haynes worked at various retail stores, hotels, and country clubs. While working at Tulsa Southern Hills
Country Club, Mr. Haynes became the first African American to work as a bartender paving the way for others to follow. In 1953, Carnell was drafted into the United States Army where he completed his basic training in Missouri. He went on to join the 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Braggs, North Carolina. Upon his discharge from the Army, he returned to Tulsa, he graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1956. Shortly after, he accepted a job with American Airlines as a parts washer. During his early years at American Airlines, Carnell desired to become an Aircraft Mechanic. He was told that he would be nothing more than a parts washer which moved him and one other African American to enroll in, and graduate from Spartan School of Aeronautics becoming the first Black Aircraft Mechanics for American Airlines at the Tulsa Plant. Before he retired from American Airlines, Mr. Haynes was promoted to Crew Chief and was awarded "The Ideas in Action Leadership Award" in 1991 & 1992 for submitting several ideas on cost saving measures that was implemented by American Airlines. Carnell would also complete studies at Oklahoma School of Religion in Tulsa and Tulsa Real Estate Academy.

In 1950, Carnell united with St. Andrew Baptist Church where he was a scholar of God's word, an extraordinary teacher, a trustworthy trustee, and an usher, the calling he loved most. He was an active member of the noon day prayer as well as power night, the Brotherhood, and Sunday School where he served as adult class teacher for many years. Carnell held the offices of Usher President, and he served at the state level as an instructor with the Creek District and in the Oklahoma Baptist Convention.

The Husband, Father & Grandfather
One day as Carnell stepped onto the school bus, he met the love of his life, Ossie Lee Tyler. At first sight, he knew that one day, she would be his wife. After years of being separated, they reconnected and were married. For over 51 years, Carnell was a quiet, gentle, caring and loving husband. Carnell was a strong man that would make any sacrifice necessary to ensure his family was safe, protected, cared for and provided for. His children describe him as a man of great wisdom, knowledge, and understanding which he passed on to them, and they in turn passed on to their children. His parents, and granddaughter Amber
proceeded him in death. Remaining to cherish his precious memories: his loving wife, Ossie Haynes, children: Thurman, Cheryl, Carvella, and Emmanuel, grandchildren: Tiara, Jasmine, Joi, Damani, Khari, Rhonda and Rachel, brothers: Arnell Haynes (his twin), Lawrence Tyson, Bill Haynes, and Fred Haynes.
He will be greatly missed by his family, and a host of friends.

His Service of Remembrance will be Saturday July 16, 2011 at 2PM at St. Andrew Baptist Church in Tulsa. Friends may visit Mr. Haynes, a retired Crew Chief for American Airlines on Friday from 10AM to 7PM in Tulsa.