Darrell Eugene Gaines

FUNERAL HOME

Bartholomew Funeral Home - Valparaiso

102 E. Monroe St.

Valparaiso, Indiana

Darrell Gaines Obituary

DARRELL EUGENE GAINES VALPARAISO, IN
Darrell Eugene Gaines, age 99, of Valparaiso, IN. went home to be with his Lord Jesus Christ on May 10, 2015. Darrell was born on March 4, 1916 in Missouri to Lowell and Ruby (Kuntz) Gaines. Darrell grew up farming in Missouri, then on to Iowa. He moved to NW IN where he met the Love of his life Ruby Fern Vanskike at church in Hammond when she came for a visit. They married October 15, 1943 at the First Christian Church in Calumet City, IL. They moved to Porter County, where he still farmed part-time and worked at a variety of jobs. They returned to Missouri and farmed a few years until his brothers convinced him to return to NW IN where he started his career in the Fire Depart. at Inland Steel. He retired from there in 1983. Darrell is survived by his daughter Carol (Tom) McLaughlin of Springfield, IL; seven grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren; two sisters-in- law: Violet (Eldon) Gaines of FL. and Lillian (Everette) Gaines of TN; two special nieces that were his caregivers: Esther (Tim) Powers and Veronica (Dennis) Edmonds; and the apple of his eye, great great great nephew Michael; special friend Anna Lee Dixon; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Darrell was preceded in death by his loving wife Ruby; his parents Lowell and Ruby Gaines; and seven brothers: Eldon, Phil (Renia), Marcus (Mildred), Leland (Doris), Lonnie (Edith), Everette and Truman (Jeanne) Gaines. Darrell lived in Porter for most of this life. Darrell and Ruby built their home together in 1959 where he lived until his death. He was a member of the Valparaiso Church of the Nazarene for 70 years, He was very involved with the church, going on mission trips, teaching Sunday School Classes, serving on the board and actually building the church. He still attended church and his men's monthly breakfast. He stayed busy with his garden, yard and house. He enjoyed reading the bible and anything to do with farming. He enjoyed helping others never thinking of himself. He was a very humble man. Visitation will be at Bartholomew Funeral Home, 102 Monroe St. Valparaiso, IN Wednesday, May 13, 2015 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held Thursday May 14, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at Bartholomew Funeral Home. Burial at Graceland Cemetery. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Porter County Hospice, 2401 Valley Drive, Valparaiso, IN 46383 or the Nazarene Missions Fund, c/o the Church, 2702 Glendale Blvd. Valparaiso, IN 46383. www.bartholomew newhard.com

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Published by The Times on May 12, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Darrell Gaines

9 Entries

Diane and Diane Beddome

May 15, 2015

Darrell was the best neighbor anyone could have. Many times he would clean my mower and change the oil for me. He even finished building our shed. I'll miss his smile when I'd see him at the mailbox or out cutting the grass. Ruby and Darrell were wonderful people.

Kerry Robinson

May 13, 2015

I am saddened at the loss of Darrell. I was his pastor for a few months during a transition. We had some great talks. Offering prayers to the Gaines family during this time of loss. May God's peace and comfort be near.

Brenda Leffel Coutouzis

May 13, 2015

Darrell and Ruby will always have a special place in my heart. They made me feel loved as a young girl, pastor's daughter...I look forward to meeting them again in heaven!

Judy Burden

May 12, 2015

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Pamela Shriner

May 12, 2015

Uncle Darrell always enjoyed seeing the chicks I hatched for my Dad. He and Uncle Dorian built a beautiful deck for Tom's family and completed the deck on our house when our contractor left us with a pile materials. Uncle Darrell and Aunt Ruby made every family reunion special with her great pie and the great family stories they told. Uncle Darrell was an exceptional farmer and planted some of his rhubarb in my Mom's back yard. He always shared the corn he grew with my Mom, so I got to have some too. I will have fond memories of him, he was a very generous man and would go to any lengths to help family and friends. He was a role model and had a positive impact on the world through his commitment to his church and his family. We will all miss him dearly, but I think he beat the record of his brother's by living to 99. Not many people have such a full life as Uncle Darrell did, he was so optimistic, never met a stranger.

Jan Rozanski (Niksch)

May 12, 2015

Mr. Gaines will always be remembered as my favorite neighbor and kindest man.

May 12, 2015

Mr. Gaines was a kind, caring man and a wonderful neighbor! He will be dearly missed. Bless you.
Julia Hendrix and Deb Perkins

Patricia Phipps

May 12, 2015

Darrell and Ruby were the best neighbors and friends. They always thought of others and helped everyone. I will miss him.

Sam & Evelyn Fleeger

May 12, 2015

Mr. Gaines was a wonderful neighbor too us for many years. May God bless his family.

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