Vernon "Lee" Gaines

1955 - 2005

BORN

1955

DIED

2005

Vernon Gaines Obituary

Vernon "Lee" Gaines, a conductor for BNSF Railways, passed away Saturday, Sept. 10, 2005, in Fort Worth.

Funeral: Noon Wednesday at Laurel Land Memorial Chapel. Burial: Graveside service and interment will be at 3 p.m. in Grove Hill Memorial Park, Dallas. After interment, friends and family are invited to visit with each other at Grove Hill Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2005, at Laurel Land Funeral Home in Fort Worth.

Vernon "Lee" Gaines, born April 23, 1955, in Sherman, graduated in 1973 from Sherman High. After attending Grayson County College, he married his college sweetheart, Guyann Phelps. Lee went on to become a conductor for BNSF Railways, with whom he was employed for the past 28 years. Lee loved roping and was an active member of several team roping associations and was a lifetime member of the APHA, where he earned multiple world championship titles. Lee gave us all the wonderful gift of his deeply caring and endless friendship, always helping others and never expecting anything in return. Lee's many friends were a direct extension of his immediate family, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Lee will be best remembered for his chuckling laughter, being the instigator of many practical jokes, always having a good story to tell, his personable personality, and his hardworking and never-sit-still attitude.

Lee and Guyann celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary this past May. Together they shared a daughter, Taylor. Lee portrayed a tough outer shell that was only weakened by his undying love he had for Guyann and Taylor, for whom he would do anything. Lee went quietly and peacfully to be with our Lord with both Guyann and Taylor at his side. The family would like to invite you to stop by the funeral home and leave a tribute to Mr.Gaines in the Enduring Memories Booth.

Survivors: his wife, Guyann Phelps Gaines: daughter, Taylor Leigh Sanders and husband, Jonathan; grandson, Austin Blake Sanders, all of Alvarado; and brother, Jerry Lynn Gaines of Sherman.

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

Published by Star-Telegram on Sep. 13, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Vernon Gaines

11 Entries

Erna Ginkel

September 16, 2005

Guyann and Taylor,

I just heard about Lee today and I can't tell you how sorry I am. You and Lee have always been some of the finest people I have ever known. My Lee story is from the mid 80's. Earnest had him take a load of horses home from a show including my cutting mare, Ginger. I told Lee to take good care of my horse. The next day when he brought Ginger back she had some skinned places on her face. Lee came up to me very embarrassed and said "I promised to take good care of your mare and here I bring her back all skinned up. A car pulled out right in front of us ....." Poor Lee felt so bad, and of course I was not upset with him. But I was so touched that he would be so concerned. All my love to you and Taylor. Your friends are here for you.

Erna and Ginger

Jeff Havens

September 15, 2005

Guyann,

I never meet you husband, but have heard you tell great stories about him. You and Taylor have great memories to cherish for ever. My prayers and thoughts will be with you. God Bless.

Your friend and helper at 4H shows.

Jeff Havens

Paul Underwood

September 14, 2005

I worked with Lee at the Frisco R.R. Iam sadden by passing of a fellow railroader.My prayers go out to his family.

Tom & Janice Stiefel

September 14, 2005

Oh what great memories we have of Lee and our Paint horse show days. He not only was a great horseman, but a fine fellow as well. Even though we haven't seen him in many years, the memories will always remain with us. Our love to Guyann and Taylor in these hard times. Thanks for the memories.

John Vest

September 14, 2005

I enjoyed working around Lee. He always spoke when we saw each other at work. I enjoyed his sense of hurmor. I hope the best for his family.

J.R.Vest

Earl Roe

September 13, 2005

What a friend he was, and what a neighbor. The most unpretentious man I have ever known. God be with him and with his family as they grieve for it is a great loss to them, to his friends and neighbors, and the world. RIP Lee.

Vicki Lambeth and Whopper too

September 13, 2005

I met Lee for the first time during a riding lesson at Earnest Wilson's house about 7 years ago. I had recently purchased a horse (Whopper) at an auction from him and Guyann. I was telling Lee how well Whopper was doing in the Paint Horse Shows and he said Whopper Boy I am glad to see you are earning your keep and that I decided not to send you to the glue factory after all and than he gave that distinct chuckle that he always had. I am so blessed to know Lee and Guyann over the years. Although Lee has gone on to heaven to be with the rest of the cowboys that have gone before him, his legacy will live on with the memories shared by Guyann and Taylor along with the wonderful horses him and Guyann sold to those of use who bought them and have made them part of our families. I appreciate the two of them selling such a beautiful horse to me and starting my interest in horses. My thoughts and prayers go out to each of the family members.

Don Powell

September 13, 2005

Lee was a great friend and neighbor and we are honored to have known him. He will be missed. His family has all our thanks for sharing him with us. May God bless his family and help them through this difficult time.

ROBERT COLLINS

September 13, 2005

LEE WAS A GOOD FRIEND AND WILL BE MISSED GREATLY.MAY GOD BE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

Toxie Beavers

September 13, 2005

As we go through life our paths cross many trails. I am fortunate that I was able to ride down the trail with my friend Lee Gaines.

Dan Hitch

September 12, 2005

A VERY GOOD RAIL, May God wrap his loving arms around "Lee" and hold his family in His hands.

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