Leo Richard Haybarker, age 94, of Lowell passed away on June 13, 2026, after a brief illness. Leo was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Phyllis (Heilman) Haybarker.
He is survived by his wife Bette (Schaafsma/Phillips) Haybarker, his children, Kathy (Mike) Clark, Kraig (Jody) Haybarker, Kirk Haybarker, and Brandi and Bruce Phillips. Grandchildren, Chris (Jennifer) Clark, Kevin (Jessie Waber) Clark, Jason (Corrine) Haybarker, Brian Haybarker, Brandy (Andy) Pullen, Ashley (Cameron) Huelster, Heather (Evan) Armour. Great-grandchildren, Carson (Brittany) Clark, Collin (Brianna) Clark, Liberty Clark, Marek and Rowan Pullen, Harlow Haybarker, Violet Clark and Emery Armour. Great-great-grandsons, Mason and Gaven Clark. Bonus grandchildren, David and Julia Whittaker. And Sisters, Linda (Jerri) VanderLaan and Karen Lewis.
Leo met Phyllis while both worked at Muir Drug Store. The first time he saw her, he thought, “this is the girl I am going to marry”. They married in 1950. They lived in Grand Rapids for a few years, then moved to Lowell where they raised their 3 children. Leo was involved in the Lowell Boy Scout Troop 102 for 50 years.
He helped guide three generations of his family to earn their Eagle Scout awards between 1969 – 2018: sons Kraig and Kirk, grandson Jason, and great-grandsons Carson and Collin. Over the years he was involved with the Lowell First United Methodist Church as a lay person and committee member, a Hospice volunteer, and golfed on a league with other retired local businessmen. He was an artist and enjoyed painting and drawing in many media.
Leo was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and cherished family time. He loved nothing more than being involved in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s lives. They shared many adventures: road trips, fishing, building forts in the woods, playing cowboys, reading favorite stories, envisioning imaginary train trips around the country, tea parties, visiting museums, drawing and painting, just being together – and throwing phenomenal New Years Eve parties!
After Phyllis’s death, Leo was fortunate to find love again with Bette. They shared 28 years of love, traveling, and adventures: they enjoyed fall color tours, attending local theater, and weekend excursions together. They cared for each other deeply, and in more recent times they maintained regular outings for drives along the coast; daily trips to enjoy coffee, cookies, and people-watching; weekly family visits, etc. Bette has been a blessing to the entire family.
Funeral services will be held at First United Methodist Church of Lowell on Saturday, June 27, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m., one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to: Flat River Outreach Ministries of Lowell, or the First United Methodist Church of Lowell.
8 Responses
Sending our deepest sympathy and prayers. Leo & Bette were good friends of my mother, Betty Malfroid, she spoke fondly of both of them.
Sincerely ,
Toni (Balentine) Stodden & Rich Stodden
Kathy, Kraig and Kirk , my dear cousins, nothing will replace the childhood memories of family outings and overnights at each other’s houses. Your father and mother were an amazing part of that.
I send comfort, peace , love and blessing on you and all your family members. A special thanks to Bette for her steadfastness, dedication and love to Uncle Leo.
Love always, Debby
Sending prayers, hugs and condolences to the family.
Bette, I am so sorry for the loss of your dear Leo. You had some good years with him, but it’s never enough, is it? 💔🙏🏼
I am sorry to hear of your loss Betty! What a great man he was. Took care of my brother Keith on his journey home at 55! It was a very hard disease for Keith. Then continue to help with Keith’s kids after he passed. I know they loved you both dearly! Say Hi to Keith from us all. Until we meet again
Kathy and Mike. So sorry for your loss.
Sending love and prayers as you will miss your dear Leo.
How fondly we remember being in small group with Leo and Bette! Ah the Valentine dinner when Leo and the other men served the ladies. Leo was a special man who I expect to see again. Praying for you Bette.