Retired Navy Capt. Donald A. Haines, 69, of Severna Park, died Aug. 21 at Anne Arundel Medical Center following a two-year illness with lung cancer.

Born in Morristown, N.J., Oct. 26, 1935, Capt. Haines graduated from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa., and had a master's degree in computer systems and management information from American University. He also graduated from the National War College in Washington, D.C.

During his 24-year Navy career, which ended in 1982, he served as commanding officer of the Naval Security Group at Homestead Air Force Base, Fla., and as the first commanding officer of the Naval Security Group in Augsburg, Germany. He also served aboard submarines and at duty stations in Spain, Vietnam, Japan and at Fort George G. Meade. Among his decorations was the National Defense Service Medal awarded upon his retirement.

After leaving the Navy, he worked for Lockheed Martin as senior systems engineer, retiring again in 1998.

Capt. Haines served as cantor at Our Lady of the Fields Catholic Church in Millersville and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. His hobbies were sailing, fishing and golf.

Surviving are his wife of 36 years, Christine Carey Haines; three children, John A. Haines of Saumsville, Va., Christine Haines New of Phoenix in Baltimore County, and Courtney A. Haines of Pittsburgh, Pa.; and two grandchildren.

A Christian wake will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. tomorrow at Barranco and Sons Severna Park Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Highway. A Mass of Resurrection will be offered at 10 a.m. Friday at Our Lady of the Fields Church, 1070 Cecil Ave., Millersville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Arundel Habitat for Humanity, 273D Peninsula Farm Road, Arnold, MD 21012

As published on 8/24/2005 in The Capital Newspaper, Annapolis, MD