Maj. (ret.) John H. Baynes

John H. Baynes, 95, a Mansfield, Pa., native, died peacefully on Thursday, July 21, 2016.
He was predeceased by his wife, Audrey G. Baynes; his parents, Leon and Lettie Limbaugh Baynes; and his brothers, Richard C. and Harold L. Baynes.
Baynes received a B.S. degree from Mansfield State Teachers College, Master of Music degree from the University of Michigan, and Doctor of Music Arts degree from Boston University. He was an instructor pilot in the Army Air Corps during World War II, retiring in 1980 as a major in the Air Force Reserve. The majority of his teaching career was in Mansfield, as the public school music director and then at Mansfield State College where for nine years he was chairman of the music department. He also served as province governor of the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity. After his retirement from teaching in 1977 he continued at the university as Acting Vice President of Academic Affairs until 1979. An involved citizen as well as a revered teacher, John served as president of the Mansfield Kiwanis, commander of American Legion Post 478, Noble Grand of the Mansfield Lodge I.O.O.F., was involved in Boy Scouts and played tuba in the town band. He also served as the first chairman of the board of the Laurel Health System in Tioga County. A devout Christian, he was active in the Mansfield First Baptist Church as moderator, a deacon, Sunday School teacher and choir leader. While living in York, John played string bass in the York Symphony Orchestra, served as registrar for the Susquehanna University Institute for Lifelong Learning, and was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church, the Lutheran Men's Club, and the Jeffersonians. John and Audrey's final years were lived out contentedly at Westminster Woods on Julington Creek in Jacksonville, Fla..
John is survived by son, John G. Baynes and wife Connie (Trask); daughter, Margaret L. Sekella and husband, Gary; daughter, Kathryn B. Machinski and husband Bob. He was the grandfather of 10 and great-grandfather of 13. He was a mentor and counselor to many, among them seven nieces and four nephews who loved him dearly.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be sent to The Mansfield Foundation, 71 S. Main St., Mansfield, PA 16933 designated to the "John and Audrey Baynes String Endowment", or to the Mansfield First Baptist Church Memorial Fund, 7 Sherwood St., Mansfield, PA16933.