Button Haskins III

1928 - 2012

Button Haskins III obituary, 1928-2012

BORN

1928

DIED

2012

FUNERAL HOME

Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist-East Chapel

404 South Moore Road

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Button Haskins Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 26, 2012.

Dennis Button Haskins III passed away surrounded by family at his home in Chattanooga, TN on Sunday, November 25, 2012 after 84 years of an amazing life that began April 5, 1928. Button, or "Buttons" as many called him, was preceded in death by his parents Button and Catherine Haskins, his brother Bill, sister Patricia, and his young son Terry. He is survived by his wonderful wife of 34 years Pamela Taylor Haskins and her sons Rodney, Charlie(Marilyn) and Tim Bowman, grandchildren Jeffrey Bowman, Kristie Mantooth, Heather Long Disbrow(Alex) and Jonathan Long, and great grandchild Caelynn Disbrow. Button is also survived by his sons Dennis Button Haskins IV and Timothy Harold Haskins(Gayle), and grandchildren, Julie and Alex.

Friends of the family include Marie Stewart, Patty Wilbanks, and all of his Friends of Bill W. And extended family include the Glunz family of Chicago with his deceased sister Patricia's husband Jack and their children and the Denver Haskins family with his deceased brother and sister-in-law Bill and Mary Haskins and their children. And the Wilson Family.

In 1945, his Junior year at Notre Dame High School, Button enlisted in the Navy in service of our country at the end of WWII. He graduated from Notre Dame in 1946 and finished his education at The University of Chattanooga. His career was almost entirely devoted to TVA. His early days included surveying and transmission line designs as a civil engineer and later shifted to computers and designing programs for various TVA needs. He stayed with TVA over 40 years until retiring. He was also a WWII Navy veteran.


Retirement didn't slow him down though as he joined several of his former TVA colleagues doing FEMA work for Bicentennial Volunteers, Inc., or BVI, for many years helping various disaster victims and their companies across the country get back on their feet. His years of BVI/TVA/FEMA work was recognized by BVI's "Man of the Year" award!

Early on he was involved in Cub Scouts and supportive of the Pinewood Derby among other things. Boy Scouts followed eventually becoming Scoutmaster of Troop 44 for several years mentoring many scouts, and taking many camping trips! He stayed involved in scouting after his children had moved on and received scouting's prestigious Silver Beaver Award.

The Knights of Columbus council 610 and fellow knights were important to him as he rose through the ranks to Grand Knight and the KC Man of the Year. His many friendships that were started there lasted him his entire lifetime! Button and his wife Pam attended many KC dances and granddaughter Heather is rumored to have learned to dance while standing on his toes.

As his son Dennis went to Button's alma mater, Notre Dame High School, he got involved in support of various organizations serving one year as head of the Athletic Committee and reconstructing some Paris landmarks for his son's Junior prom.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help has always been prominent in his life and in Pam's as well. He and his wife Pam are members of O. L. P. H. Church and Button's history goes back to attending school there. In later years some of you may remember him ushering at various Masses, and a little known fact, he built the manger scene that was seen in front of the church every holiday season for many years.

One group in particular played a very important role in Button's life, Friends of Bill W. He often said without those friends' support, his life would have been very different. As was his way, once grounded there, he threw himself into helping others as he had been helped.

Button's life was one full of giving and surrounded by friends who were also involved in his many organizations and projects.

Dennis Button Haskins III will be missed more than words can say. Husband, Papaw, Dad, Uncle Button, "Buttons", friend, colleague, and sometimes Dennis, we love you.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 PM on Tuesday and Wednesday at the funeral home, with a Rosary Service on Wednesday at 6 PM.

A Funeral Mass will be at 11 AM Thursday, November 29, 2012 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church with Father Jim Vick officiating.

Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery with military honors.

Memorial donations may be made to the Chattanooga Community Kitchen
Post Office Box 11203, Chattanooga, TN 37401.

Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
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Not sure what to say?

November 30, 2012

I worked with Gayle (Tim Haskins wife) at TVA and was privileged to meet Mr. Haskins. He was a very likeable person and I send condolences to his family.

November 29, 2012

Tony Giggy

Buttons was not only a good friend, but also a great teacher. We worked together as volunteers for BVI at the Raccoon Mountain Visitor Center where he taught me the inner workings of that facility. We also spent time together on FEMA assignments where he shared his expertise in developing project worksheets and helped others improve their computer skills. Buttons will be missed by all who enjoyed his friendship.

November 28, 2012

Jean Gordon

In July of 2007 Button sent me an email prayer chain Novena. It wasn't much later his health began to fail. I still have the mesage in my in-box and have prayed the prayers many times to thank God for the gift of his friendship.
Many thanks for the beautiful picture online.

November 27, 2012

Hugh Gardner

I would like to share a humurous story about Buttons and Dennis on a FEMA trip to California. About 20 or so ex TVA (BVI) were on assignment in California. Buttons called Dennis and we all met at an exclusive resturant. Of course Dennis was the star attraction. We all enjoyed the meal very much and the excitement of sharing with Dennis. At the conclusion of the meal the waiter brought one check. Buttons took charge, pulled out his calculator and started figuring the bill of each of us. This embarrassed Dennis and he said "dad, put up the calculator" people are looking!, but Button kept on clicking. Again Dennis said "Dad put up the calculator, people are watching, and heck I will pay the whole bill. This did not phase Buttons and he kept on clicking the calculator. To Buttons this was the TVA way and the fair way and also Buttons way, and thats the way it was.

We all had some great times working both for TVA and FEMA. Buttons was the most advanced because he had a computer and knew how to work it. I just talked with Hugh Ward the FEMA boss for California and he wanted to also pass condolences to the family. Buttons you will be missed. Hugh Gardner your PSO and FEMA buddy.

November 27, 2012

Jeanie Chandler

I loved Button as a special friend. I worked with him at TVA in Civil Engineering in the 70s. He was such fun. I had much respect for him. He loved his family and I know how very much all of you will miss him. You are in our prayers. God bless you.

November 27, 2012

David Witt

Great Man-Great Scoutmaster and Leader. I will always remember his great stories and Beaming smile.

November 27, 2012

Jim Neligan

My brother Tom and I both were fortunate to be members of Boy Scout Troop 44 during Mr. Haskins tenure as Scoutmaster. His leadership impacted our lives and the lives of many others as we learned to achieve both as a unit and individually. My father and Mr. Haskins also enjoyed a long friendship, working together on behalf of the Scouts and continuing for many years until my dad passed away in 2001. Best wishes to the Haskins family from the Neligan family. We know you have many wonderful memories to sustain you.

November 27, 2012

I had the honor of knowing Button for 30 yrs. He was my friend and mentor,always something encouraging to say. I also remember him from church many yrs. ago. I will greatly miss him.
Jayne Harbour

November 26, 2012

My dear sweet friend, I will miss that smile as long as I live. Via con dios.

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Funeral services provided by:

Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist-East Chapel

404 South Moore Road, Chattanooga, TN 37412

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