Obituary for Raymond Darrell "Dick" Gaines
Raymond (Dick) D. Gaines, age 101, passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family on Thursday December 10th 2020 in Marysville, Ohio. He had spent the last 7 years of his life in the loving care of his stepdaughter Debra Brown. Prior to this period, he was a 45-year resident of Columbus Ohio.
Dick was born February 18th, 1919, in Duck Creek WV, to the late Harley Dallas Gaines and Katherine (Lovie) Hardman Gaines.
Dick was the epitome of the greatest generation. As a Gunners Mate in the US Navy during WWII, he survived two German U boat attacks, and the sinking of both vessels, within a 24-hour period. After rescue from the waters of the Atlantic, he went on to complete his tour of duty. One later mission, protecting a shipment of TNT destined for Russia, Dick joked that “had that one been torpedoed he’d still have been going up”. Dick received formal commendation for his courage, and loyalty displayed in action with the enemy, reflecting not only great credit on him personally but also in tribute to the morale and spirit of the entire US Navy Armed Guard.
While working a variety of jobs in his post war career, including a time in the coal sales business with his brother Nathan, the majority of his time was spent as a skilled machinist working in the central Ohio area for companies such as North American Aviation, Dynaquip, and Schuler Inc. Dick amazed with an ability to do quick and exacting math equations in his head. His dedication to the trade was recognized by all his employers.
Always friendly and sociable, Dick had a great sense of humor and made friends with everyone he met. A lifelong attending member of the United Methodist Church, he was a man of great strength and enduring faith.
Above all else, Dick delighted and excelled at being Grandpa to his numerous grandchildren. It was not unusual for him, at 85 years of age, to pick up his granddaughters Jenny and Kim Brown at 6:00AM for a round of golf. His granddaughters have fond (almost) memories of being led onto more than one golf course in freezing temperatures to “get in 9 holes”. Taking the time to pick up his granddaughter Debbie Campbell, to spend time with family in Ohio, was also dearly remembered.
He was preceded in death by his wife Eurma Ruth Johns and two brothers: Dallas (Ernestine) and Nathan (Georgia) Gaines.
Dick is survived by daughters Susan Christy and Barbie Vartanian. Stepchildren: Debra Brown (Jeff), Paul Campbell (Carol), Edward Farley (Joanne). 11 Grandchildren, 14 Great- Grandchildren, 1 Great- Great Grandchild. Nieces: Helen Warner, Bobbie, Drews, and Maybeth Taylor.
Family and friends will gather at Hardman Family Funeral Home 730 N. Main Avenue Weston, WV on Wednesday, December 16th, 2020 from 11:00AM-12:00PM with a private family funeral service being held at the funeral home chapel at 12:00PM with Reverend Fred Templeton officiating. Interment will follow services at Broad Run Cemetery in Jane Lew, WV with full military honors conducted by the Lewis County Honor Guard. Online condolences and life stories in memory of Dick may be expressed at hardmanfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Hardman Family Funeral Home of Weston, WV considers it an honor and privilege to serve the family of Raymond (Dick) D. Gaines.
Dick was born February 18th, 1919, in Duck Creek WV, to the late Harley Dallas Gaines and Katherine (Lovie) Hardman Gaines.
Dick was the epitome of the greatest generation. As a Gunners Mate in the US Navy during WWII, he survived two German U boat attacks, and the sinking of both vessels, within a 24-hour period. After rescue from the waters of the Atlantic, he went on to complete his tour of duty. One later mission, protecting a shipment of TNT destined for Russia, Dick joked that “had that one been torpedoed he’d still have been going up”. Dick received formal commendation for his courage, and loyalty displayed in action with the enemy, reflecting not only great credit on him personally but also in tribute to the morale and spirit of the entire US Navy Armed Guard.
While working a variety of jobs in his post war career, including a time in the coal sales business with his brother Nathan, the majority of his time was spent as a skilled machinist working in the central Ohio area for companies such as North American Aviation, Dynaquip, and Schuler Inc. Dick amazed with an ability to do quick and exacting math equations in his head. His dedication to the trade was recognized by all his employers.
Always friendly and sociable, Dick had a great sense of humor and made friends with everyone he met. A lifelong attending member of the United Methodist Church, he was a man of great strength and enduring faith.
Above all else, Dick delighted and excelled at being Grandpa to his numerous grandchildren. It was not unusual for him, at 85 years of age, to pick up his granddaughters Jenny and Kim Brown at 6:00AM for a round of golf. His granddaughters have fond (almost) memories of being led onto more than one golf course in freezing temperatures to “get in 9 holes”. Taking the time to pick up his granddaughter Debbie Campbell, to spend time with family in Ohio, was also dearly remembered.
He was preceded in death by his wife Eurma Ruth Johns and two brothers: Dallas (Ernestine) and Nathan (Georgia) Gaines.
Dick is survived by daughters Susan Christy and Barbie Vartanian. Stepchildren: Debra Brown (Jeff), Paul Campbell (Carol), Edward Farley (Joanne). 11 Grandchildren, 14 Great- Grandchildren, 1 Great- Great Grandchild. Nieces: Helen Warner, Bobbie, Drews, and Maybeth Taylor.
Family and friends will gather at Hardman Family Funeral Home 730 N. Main Avenue Weston, WV on Wednesday, December 16th, 2020 from 11:00AM-12:00PM with a private family funeral service being held at the funeral home chapel at 12:00PM with Reverend Fred Templeton officiating. Interment will follow services at Broad Run Cemetery in Jane Lew, WV with full military honors conducted by the Lewis County Honor Guard. Online condolences and life stories in memory of Dick may be expressed at hardmanfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Hardman Family Funeral Home of Weston, WV considers it an honor and privilege to serve the family of Raymond (Dick) D. Gaines.