M. Wyatt Haisten, M.D., 86, of Beaumont, died Wednesday, March 14, 2012, at Christus Hospital St. Elizabeth, Beaumont.
He was born August, 16, 1925, to Inez Prestwood Haisten and Thomas Maurice Haisten, in Newton, Alabama. Following graduation from Pike County High School in June 1942, he then went on to attend the University of Alabama where he obtained a degree in Pre Med, graduating in June 1944. While there, he was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. In June 1947, Wyatt received his M.D. degree from the Medical College of Alabama. After graduating, he began his internship with Scott and White Hospital followed by doing general practice medicine until September, 1952, in Alabama. Wyatt was a Captain in the United States Air Force and served as flight surgeon at Craig Air Force Base in Alabama until September, 1954. His Ophthalmology residency was attained at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, September 1957. It was there that he would become Head of Residency Training Program for the next three years. He began a thirty year career in July 1960 by opening his own private practice of Ophthalmology in Beaumont. He married Betty Bush Haisten on November 27, 1965.
Wyatt was involved with many organizations which include, American Board of Ophthalmology, Jefferson County Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, American Medical Association, Southern Medical Association, American Academy of Ophthalmology, Texas Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology Association, Staff Member at Baptist Hospital, Chief of Staff for two years at Baptist Hospital, Staff Member at St. Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital, Beaumont, RODEO Club (Retired Old Doctors Eating Out), CHOKERS Golf Group, Alpha Omega Alpha Honorary Scholastic Medical Fraternity, and an Elder at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.
Survivors include his wife of forty-six years, Betty Haisten; children, George Haisten of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Susan Haisten of India, Penny Kavanaugh of Northpark, Alabama, and Thomas Haisten of Tomball; grandchildren, Jim Miller, Kris Kavanaugh, Kevin Kavanaugh, Josh Kavanaugh, Maurissa Opalecky and her husband, David, Jill Miller; two great-granddaughters, Madeline Opalecky and Ariel McEwin; and many other loving family members.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Inez and T.M. Haisten; daughter, Lisa Haisten; sisters and brothers-in-law, Cordelia and Fred Beavers and Marie and Jim King.
A gathering of his family and friends will be 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Saturday, March 17, 2012, at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Beaumont. His memorial service will be 1:30 p.m., Sunday, March 18, 2012, at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 1350 North 23rd Street, Beaumont.
Cremation arrangements were handled through Broussard’s.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to CASA of Southeast Texas, Inc., 2449 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77702; or St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 1350 North 23rd Street, Beaumont, Texas 77706.
