David Duke Haskins, age 95 of the Timber Pines Community
passed away at the Trinity Medical Center, Sunday Feb 23, 2020. David was born
the son of Bayard & Victoria Haskins on April 1, 1924 in Wellsville NY. He
is survived by his wife of 71 years, Barbara Smith Haskins, a loving wife and
devoted and timeless caregiver for the many years Dave courageously battled
cancer.
Also surviving are the
couple’s five children; Nancy (Jay) Lazar of Bethlehem Pa., Thomas (Kristina)
Haskins of Richmond Va., William (Robin) Haskins of Port St. Lucie, Fl., Anne
Schettine of Bemus Point, NY, and Mark T. Haskins of Wellsville, NY, as well as
11 Grandchildren, 8 Great Grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Dave was predeceased
by his parents and a brother Daniel Haskins, a sister Mary Atkinson and his
Aunt, Bertha K. Haskins. A Wellsville high school graduate, Dave then attended
Columbia University before enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Corps, serving in Europe
as a P-51 Mustang fighter pilot. A
mighty plane for a mighty guy. Dave’s many accomplishments and achievements
include; working closely with his family in the Oil Industry and held many
positions at the Ebenezer Oil Co. Inc., including serving as an Officer and
Director. Dave also served as an Officer
and Director of the New York State Oil Producers Association, was a member of
the Penn Grade Crude Association, a Director of the First Trust Company Bank, a
Trustee of the David A. Howe Library and an elected Allegany County Legislator.
He was also a past member of the Wellsville Lions Club where he entertained
many Wellsville residents as an “End Man” in the Lions Variety Shows. In his
final days, Dave, the widely respected and loved “April Fool” even brought
smiles to the faces of his nurses who stated that despite his age, infirmity
and cancer he still made them smile.
Dave was a devoted
family man and will be sadly missed by his wife, children and grandchildren.
CAVU – Ceiling And Visibility Unlimited! Friends may visit the family Saturday,
February 29, 2020 at the Brewer & Sons Funeral Home, Spring Hill Chapel
from 2:00 to 3:00 with a memorial service to follow at the Chapel. Interment
will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellsville, NY, at a later date. In Lieu of
flowers please make donations to a church or charity of your choice.
