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Michael Gaines Obituary

Michael "Mike" G. Gaines

Michael "Mike" G. Gaines, 73, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on December 14, 2025, at Brookdale Leawood State Line. He leaves behind his loving wife of 54 years, Elaine (Posnak) Gaines; his children whom he loved very much, Jennifer (Andy) Shimamoto, Matthew (Rebecca) Gaines, Theresa (Jack) Taylor, Catherine Geraghty; four grandchildren, Ben and Isaac Shimamoto, Fin Geraghty, and Mitchell Gaines; his brother, Martin (Nancy) Gaines; and many nieces and nephews.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, William and Noreen (Klippel) Gaines; sisters, Sharon Harbson and Christine Lewis; and Hazel ("Gran") and Peter Klippel.

Mike was a 1969 Start High School graduate. He received his engineering degree from General Motors Institute in 1975. Mike worked for Tenneco for 21 years, as well as other companies including Reliant Energy and La-Z-Boy. He travelled around the world and his children loved the souvenirs he would bring home to them. He was an avid frog collector. His children believed he could fix anything with his extensive tool collection. In his later years, he enjoyed doing yard work for himself as well as his neighbors. Mike was a strong Christian who was deeply devoted to God. He was always generous to those who needed his help.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 20, 2025, prior to the funeral mass at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 11822 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Michael Gaines to Gentiva Hospice Foundation, 8735 Rosehill Road, Suite 200, Lenexa, KS 66215.

Arrangements by McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO 64145, www.mcgilleystatelinechapel.com

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

Published by The Blade on Dec. 18, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
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3 Entries

Leslie Boles

December 19, 2025

Was a pleasure to work with Mike when he was Plant Manager at Tenneco Hartwell GA. Had a Big Heart for his Faith, Family and valued friends and employees who demonstrated humility. Lots of good memories in some very tough times. May God Bless all of you with Peace and Comfort.
Leslie Boles. Lavonia GA

Denny and Kim Kelly/Cortney Grossman

December 19, 2025

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Dennis P

December 18, 2025

Mike you are already missed by this guy. you were the smartest person I ever knew. I asked for and followed your advice on many of the decisions I had to make. Rest in Peace my friend,.

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Memorial Events
for Michael Gaines

Dec

20

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

St. Thomas More Catholic Church

11822 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131

Dec

20

Mass of Christian Burial

10:30 a.m.

St. Thomas More Catholic Church

11822 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131

Funeral services provided by:

McGilley State Line Chapel

12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO 64145

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