Kenneth Willis Gaines of Mt. Vernon, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, April 24, 2021, at the age of 97.  He was born March 6, 1924, in Springfield, Missouri, to Harrison and Maud (Sinor) Gaines, the fourth of five children.  Kenneth married Faye Gunter on December 13, 1947.  Four children were born to this union, two sons and two daughters—Ellen Catherine, James Lee, Doris Maria, and Timothy Dean.

He was a United States Army Air Corps veteran of World War 2 and flew cargo planes over the South Pacific.  After returning from the war, he worked for several oil companies, and retired as office manager for Blevins Asphalt Company in Mt. Vernon.

Kenneth continued to be very active well into his nineties.  He loved helping people and gave to many charities.  He loved going to garage sales and flea markets and had a fondness for collecting antiques—especially clocks.  Kenneth was an avid reader and also wrote many stories and poems as well as drawing cartoons.

He spent his last few years at the Missouri Veterans Home in Mt. Vernon, Missouri, and made many friends there both among staff and residents.   Kenneth enjoyed serving on committees, playing bingo, taking trips, and driving his electric wheelchair wherever he wanted to go.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Harrison and Maud (Sinor) Gaines; his wife, Doris Faye (Gunter) Gaines; a son James (Jim) Lee Gaines; brothers Jude Gaines, and Emil Gaines; and a sister, Inez Smith.  He is survived by his two daughters, Ellen Safley and husband James; Maria Rutledge and husband Bill; his son, Tim Gaines and wife Tammy; eleven grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren; one sister, Lucille McGinnis; and many nieces and nephews.

Kenneth was saved and baptized as a young man at Mt. Comfort Church, Springfield, Missouri, and was a member of Hope Church of Sparta, Missouri. Memorial contributions can be made to Hope Church.  Visitation will be on Friday at 2:00 p.m. and funeral services at 3:00 p.m. both at Greenlawn North.  Burial will be at Mt. Comfort Cemetery.