Mr. Donald Gaines

Obituary Donald Lee Gaines, 82, transitioned on Saturday, June 4, 2022, at the HealthCare Resort of Leawood. He was born on December 16, 1939 to John W. Gaines, Sr. and Fannie Anderson Gaines. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, John W. Gaines, Jr. Donald accepted Christ at the age of 7, at the Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church and remained there until he became an adult. He then united with the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church where he was an active member serving on the Trustee Board, The Board of Directors, Finance Committee, Male Chorus and Mass Choir. He attended Sunday School and Bible Study. He served his church proudly and whenever and wherever asked to serve. Donald graduated from Lincoln High School in the class of 1957. While in high school he played the tuba and held the 1st chair in the All City Band for four years. He joined the Naval Reserves when he was a senior in high school. He later went on active duty in the U. S. Navy on November 15, 1957, serving for two years and received an honorable discharge. Donald was employed by Owens & Corning Fiberglass for eight years, he then went to work for Armco Steel, later GST Steel. While still employed he furthered his education by attending a three year on the job program, where he obtained a journeyman millwright. He retired from GST Steel and Armco after thirty three years of service on April 27, 2001. Donald was united in marriage to the former Rena M. Burns on December 26, 1970, together they shared 51 wonderful years together. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Rena M. Gaines, of the home; one son, Tony Friday (Shawnie), Martinez, CA; nephew, John W. Gaines III (Mona), Lee's Summit, MO; special niece, Arevia Meraw, Kansas City, KS;great niece, Shelby Gaines, Lee's Summit, MO, Spenser Gaines, St. Louis, MO; g.g. nephew, Carter; sister-in-law, Josephine Gaines, Kansas City, MO and Elena Mercer, Kansas City, KS; uncle-in-law, Robert Burnett (Betty) Forney, TX; aunt-in-law, Mary Burnett, Kansas City, MO; a host of cousins other relatives, friends and his St. Paul MBC family. Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, June 15, 2022, 11:00am at the Watkins Heritage Chapel. Interment Leavenworth National Cemetery, LVNKS. Visitation will be from 10am-11am at the chapel. Service conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mr. Donald Gaines, please visit our floral store. Read More

Mr. Donald Gaines

December 16, 1939 - June 4, 2022