Keith Eugene Haynes Sr

Keith Eugene Haynes Sr., 70, passed away on September 20, 2025, in Libby, MT. He was born on December 22, 1954, in Baltimore, MD, to Eugene Andrew and Opal Lucinda (Blankenship) Haynes. He was previously married to Terry Wilburn of WV and Sarah Crabb of Sequim, WA. He then met Carla Sue King, they were married on New Years Day, January 1, 1990, in Port Angeles, WA. Together they had 13 children, his 8 children and Carla’s 5 children.
Over the years Keith worked different jobs, Greyhound Bus driver, worked for the Alaska Pipeline, he was a solo artist, and a studio drummer in Nashville, TN, Los Angeles, CA, and other cities across the United States. He also served in the Army. Keith passion was music. He started music lessons at the age of 7 in Percussion from Mousey Miller, who was taught by the late Gene Krupas, a like style was formed. Like all youngsters, Keith liked the rock and roll energy. He had the privilege of living near a few top recording artists who let Keith become interactive with them and with 5 years of lessons under his belt they let him sit in on practice sessions. The artists were astonished at his abilities at such a tender age of 12 and Keith knew for better or worse this was his destiny. At age 12 he moved to Jackson County in WY, to live with his dad. Keith’s father supported his music career, encouraged his studies in music, and helped him while he played in several bands. He went on to become a Studio Drummer in Nashville, as well as in Los Angeles, and other cities in the United States. Keith also toured as a solo artist promoting his own album “Danger Zone” in which he charted “Time Machine”, “Shot In The Dark”, and “Nowhere To Go But Crazy” on the National C&W Charts in 1986-87. Keith also befriended the late Steve McQueen and was on the movie set in Arizona while he filmed the western “Tom Horn” and helped with the sound tech with recording. He was an extra in the movie “Stir Crazy” starring Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor at the Tucson, AZ filming. Although Keith had a taste of the Motion Picture business he still prefers the Music side of entertainment as a career. His interests in all styles of music have helped him to be one of the most versatile drummers and musicians in the business. Keith would say, “Why be limited, I am not stuck in one style only, this is too boring to me. Playing different styles over the years has helped me to borrow from one style for another and to articulate various rudiments and such into some unique sounds. A true musician has to be creative and spontaneous, to be able to reach the listener and capture their heart and soul, and hold them in the pocket. Limiting myself to just one style of music is no friends and they are so talented!” 
Keith is preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers; and 2 sons. He is survived by his wife Carla Haynes; 5 children; 5 step-children; 19 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild due in October, 2025. Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby, MT. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com. 
 

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