BLOOMINGTON - Frank Robert Haines, 65, Bloomington, went to be with God at 9:31 a.m. Tuesday (Sept. 26, 2006) at BroMenn Regional Medical Center, Normal.

A celebration of life will be at 2 p.m. Monday at St. John's Lutheran Church, Bloomington, with Pastor Knight Wells officiating. His cremains will be inurned in the St. John's Columbarium at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association and St. John's Lutheran Church. Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington, is in charge of arrangements.

Frank was born Oct. 30, 1940, in Olney. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis. They married on Sept. 29, 1960, in Alton. They have three children, Elizabeth Haines, Robert (Patty) Haines and Valerie (Steve) Sosa, all of Bloomington. They have five grandchildren, Lauren, Alex and Danielle Haines and Kyle and Kendall Sosa.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mildred Haines, and his brother, John "Jud" Haines.

He graduated from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. He retired from State Farm Insurance Co. in May 2002. He held positions on both East and West coasts before returning to Bloomington to be claims vice president.

Frank embodied the American dream. He held many different jobs since childhood - from paperboy to executive. They all had the common denominators of a hard work ethic and genuine caring.

Frank was active in his church and community, serving on the church council and the Police Pension Board. He reveled in being a grandpa and spent a great deal of time watching his grandchildren playing sports of every kind. He enjoyed gardening and is especially known for his tomatoes. He also enjoyed cooking and baking, especially his giant chocolate chip cookies.

He was the most amazing person we knew. He was our friend and mentor. He always made time to be with his family, loved to listen to our problems and share his wisdom. He is our hero. These are just a few of the many, many things we loved about him as husband, father and grandfather.