Marques O.

Haynes

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IN LOVING MEMORY

Marques O. Haynes

Mar 10 1926 - May 22 2015

Marques O. Haynes, the world’s greatest dribbler in basketball history, passed away Friday, May 22, 2015 in Plano, Texas, of natural causes, at the age of 89. He was born March 10, 1926 in Sand Springs, Oklahoma to Levi and Hattie (Marsh) Haynes. Marques married Joan Taylor December 24, 1974 in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was an original member of the Harlem Globetrotters.

Marques Haynes' dribbling skills wowed fans in more than 100 countries. Beginning with his days with Langston University, he was a showstopper, a player who helped make the Harlem Globetrotters beloved ambassadors of basketball around the world.

"Basketball has lost one of its most iconic figures," Globetrotters CEO Kurt Schneider said.

In two stints with the touring team — from 1947-53 and 1972-79 — Haynes played in more than 1,200 games for a team that combined dazzling skills, theatrical flair and circus antics.

The Globetrotters will dedicate their 90th anniversary tour in 2016 to Haynes and will wear a uniform patch in tribute.

"Marques was a pioneer, helping pave the way for people of all races to have opportunities to play basketball and for the sport to explode on a global scale," Schneider said. "His unique and groundbreaking style of play set the tone for modern basketball as we know it. Anyone involved with basketball worldwide is indebted to Marques. He was the consummate Globetrotter.

He is survived by his loving wife, Joan Taylor Haynes of Plano, Texas; two daughters, Marsha Pearson Loggins and husband Verdell of McKinney, Texas and Marquetta Gregory and husband Harold of Frisco, Texas; grandchildren, Tori Darty and husband David of Frisco, Texas, Britni Cannon and husband Lance of McKinney, Texas, Veronica Harkey and husband Jayson of McKinney, Texas, Justin Marques Scruggs and wife Cara of Owasso, Oklahoma, Devin Scruggs of Richardson, Texas, Matthew Gregory, Bryan Gregory, and Jordan Gregory all of Plano, Texas; great-grandchildren, Kerron Darty-Dedrick, Kavika (Duce) Pittman, Toren Pittman, Tyson Cannon, Deja Darty, Myles Darty, Bryce Cannon, Robyn Harkey and Allyson Darty; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins; a very special sister, Dr. Myrtle Elliott Hightower of Dallas, Texas; former son-in-law, Drew Pearson of Plano, Texas

Marques was preceded in death by his parents, Levi and Hattie Haynes; brothers, Wendell Haynes, Joseph Haynes, Thelton Haynes, Floyd Haynes and Pierce Haynes; sister, Cecile Alberty.

A celebration of his life will be held Friday, May 29, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at New Life Community Church, 25631 Smotherman Rd., Frisco, Texas 75033. Interment will follow at Ridgeview Cemetery in Allen, Texas. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Allen, Texas.

To continue honoring the life of Marques O. Haynes, a personal website has been created at www.yourdash.com/marquesohaynes.  The family requests you visit this unique website to share your memories by uploading your photos, videos, or comments uising any mobile device or computer.

 

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Memorials

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