1926
Robert
2015
Robert Gaines Jr.
June 12, 1926 — April 19, 2015
Robert Allen Gaines, Jr. was born on June 12, 1926 to Robert Allen Gaines and Edith Lucille Harris in their home at 6031 So. Benton, Kansas City, MO. He was raised to know the Lord, attending Linwood Presbyterian Church where he was a pulpit page, leading the congregation in prayer and hymns as a senior in high school. He graduated from Southeast High School in Kansas City, MO in 1943.
After graduation he worked as a milling machine operator at the 826 Bomber Plant in the Fairfax District.
Robert enlisted in the United States Navy on D-Day June 6, 1944 and was a First Class Seaman on the USS Wasp Carrier during WWII. His job was to keep track of the planes on the flight deck so the pilots could find their plane quickly before take-off. He was proud that his ship was the most religious ship out at sea during that time, equipped
with a room painted like a cathedral. His worn, marked Bible tells the story of a young sailor finding his hope and comfort during unspeakable tragedies.
After the war, he attended the Missouri School of Mines in Rolla, MO studying to be an engineer. From 1947-1975 he worked for Puritan Gas as an advertising manager.
On June 17, 1949 he was united in marriage to Nova Mae Bowling. They were blessed with three children: Jan (Ron) Zelch of Overland Park, KS; Pam (Robert) Russell of Manhattan, KS; and Sue (Randy) Freeman of Olathe, KS.
He is also survived by his seven grandchildren who affectionately called him BawBaw. Shorey Russell of Austin, TX; Chris (Minna) Zelch of Chagrin Falls, OH; Becky (Brian) Frazier of Stromsburg, NE; Robbie (Heather) Russell of Wichita, KS; Mandy (Nate) Miller of Wichita, KS; Evan Russell of Manhattan, KS; and Lizzy Russell of Merrillville, IN.
And nine great grandchildren:
Victoria Russell, Logan Zelch, Katelyn Frazier, Caleb Zelch, Matthew Frazier, Grayson Miller, Emma Frazier, Beckett Miller, and Emily Russell
He is also survived by his sister Mary Ehrlich of Wyckoff, NJ.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Edith, his wife, Nova and sister, Frances deVillafranca.
Robert was a skilled carpenter and enjoyed making furniture, toy chests, and other unique heirlooms for his family. Robert was a private man who appreciated visits from family, liked to make people laugh, never missed an opportunity to say thank you,
served his country well and quietly displayed his faith in God. He will be greatly missed.
After graduation he worked as a milling machine operator at the 826 Bomber Plant in the Fairfax District.
Robert enlisted in the United States Navy on D-Day June 6, 1944 and was a First Class Seaman on the USS Wasp Carrier during WWII. His job was to keep track of the planes on the flight deck so the pilots could find their plane quickly before take-off. He was proud that his ship was the most religious ship out at sea during that time, equipped
with a room painted like a cathedral. His worn, marked Bible tells the story of a young sailor finding his hope and comfort during unspeakable tragedies.
After the war, he attended the Missouri School of Mines in Rolla, MO studying to be an engineer. From 1947-1975 he worked for Puritan Gas as an advertising manager.
On June 17, 1949 he was united in marriage to Nova Mae Bowling. They were blessed with three children: Jan (Ron) Zelch of Overland Park, KS; Pam (Robert) Russell of Manhattan, KS; and Sue (Randy) Freeman of Olathe, KS.
He is also survived by his seven grandchildren who affectionately called him BawBaw. Shorey Russell of Austin, TX; Chris (Minna) Zelch of Chagrin Falls, OH; Becky (Brian) Frazier of Stromsburg, NE; Robbie (Heather) Russell of Wichita, KS; Mandy (Nate) Miller of Wichita, KS; Evan Russell of Manhattan, KS; and Lizzy Russell of Merrillville, IN.
And nine great grandchildren:
Victoria Russell, Logan Zelch, Katelyn Frazier, Caleb Zelch, Matthew Frazier, Grayson Miller, Emma Frazier, Beckett Miller, and Emily Russell
He is also survived by his sister Mary Ehrlich of Wyckoff, NJ.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Edith, his wife, Nova and sister, Frances deVillafranca.
Robert was a skilled carpenter and enjoyed making furniture, toy chests, and other unique heirlooms for his family. Robert was a private man who appreciated visits from family, liked to make people laugh, never missed an opportunity to say thank you,
served his country well and quietly displayed his faith in God. He will be greatly missed.
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