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Gary Gaines Obituary

SMSgt (Ret) Gary B. Gaines passed away December 24th at the age of 80. Gary was a long time resident of Colorado Springs. Born in Fremont and raised in Grand Island, Nebraska, Gary was the Nebraska state half-mile champion in 1952. Following high school, Gary spent 4 years in the Navy, including time as plank owner on the USS Forrestal. A year after separating from the Navy, Gary enlisted in the Air Force, serving for an additional 20 years, including three tours to Keflavik NAS, Iceland. He retired from the Air Force in 1979.

Gary was a perfect father and grandfather, avid woodcarver, supporter of Air Force football, and of his children's and grandchildren's activities.

Gary was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Martha J. Gaines, and is survived by their children Tom (Christa) of Broomfield, Colorado; Steve (Genna) of Colorado Springs; David (Darcy) of Versailles, Kentucky; and Gretchen (Jim) Benson of Colorado Springs, along with seven grandchildren.

A memorial will be held at 11 am on Saturday, January 17th at Central United Methodist Church in Colorado Springs.

Memorial donations may be made to The Home Front Cares, supporting Colorado's veterans.

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

Published by The Gazette on Jan. 4, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries

Ron Morris

January 13, 2015

Gary was talented and engaging and a good friend and colleague. Karen and I spent a lot of time with Marty and Gary and their kids on Tesla Drive during the years we were in Colorado Springs (1978 - 1982). Marty was the realtor that sold us our house. I think of Gary often. He was so resourceful he could make something out of nothing. I have and cherish a piece Gary helped me whittle over a campfire in South Park. Wonderful memories. Condolences to the family. Gary was a wonderful man!

Ruth Wilson

January 12, 2015

We at The Home Front Cares appreciate all donations in memory of Gary. We will utilize the funds with the utmost discretion and honor to assist Colorado veterans and military families. Blessings to the Gaines Family from THFC Board & Staff.

Betty Thompson

January 11, 2015

To all the Gaines family I extend my deepest sympathy. I always enjoyed spending time with your father/grandfather.

Saj

January 5, 2015

My sincere condolences to the family for the loss of your loved one. May prayers strengthen you and memories comfort you, and may our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loves us, comfort your hearts and "make you firm". (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17)

January 5, 2015

We will miss you, dear friend.

Larry & Maureen Hehr

January 4, 2015

A good friend playing cards and got me into wood whittling and loved our Bratwurst we bought from North Dakota.

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