Gaines, David Henry 1946-2014

GAINES, LEHNE, DENNIS

Posted By: Ruth Maring - Volunteer
Date: 5/5/2014 at 12:00:49

David Henry Gaines, 67, of Clinton, passed away unexpectedly while recovering from hip surgery. Visitation will be at Pape Funeral home on Tuesday, May 6th from 10-11 a.m, with the funeral to follow. David will then be laid to rest at Springdale Cemetery in Clinton.

David was born October 29, 1946 in Clinton, to David and Frances (Lehne) Gaines. At 16, David’s mother was killed in a car accident and his dad gravely injured. David then resided with his aunt and uncle, Vernon and Joan (Lehne) while attending Clinton High School. David graduated in 1967 before bringing three children into the world: Tina Lee Gaines, Robin Anne Gaines, and Ryan Alan Gaines. David loved spending time with his kids, whether it was playing UNO, throwing a baseball around, fishing and camping, or talking about his beloved Cincinnati Reds and Iowa Hawkeyes. David’s kids loved his weekend breakfasts, some of the best spicy potatoes around, and his hot chili was only for the bravest!

David spent time in the 1990’s with his special friend Ruthie Jensen, both of whom loved to fish, before Ruthie’s passing. David lost his eldest child, Tina, to a heart condition in 2000. However, David was blessed to unite with a special friend and fellow employee, Debbie Tholen, and they were together until his passing. The couple enjoyed taking trips around the Midwest, traveling to Cincinnati or going to Missouri to visit David’s sister.

By God’s grace, David was able to visit with his kids shortly before his death, one of the rare times when Robin was able to come back from overseas. They spent hours that evening catching up and enjoying pizza. David was a longtime reader of the publication of the Reds, Reds Report, and Ryan was fortunate enough to have cover shots two straight months before his father’s passing. David looked forward to seeing his grandkids on Ryan’s next visit. He was also excited and ready to take the plunge to email to communicate with Robin overseas!

David had been in pain several days before falling and breaking his hip. He underwent surgery at Genesis West and was transferred to Mercy South for rehab a few days later. A blessing occurred that evening when Robin called from Korea and was able to speak to him just a couple of hours before his passing, a call she will always cherish. During an evening check, David was found unresponsive and attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. His children made the decision to donate to the Iowa Donor Network.

Those left to honor his memory include a daughter, Robin A. Gaines of Seoul, Korea and a son, Ryan A. Gaines of Cortland, IL. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. David is survived by a sister, Patricia Lou (Cain) Gaines of Missouri and a half-brother, Dean Dennis of Ankeny, IA, as well as his special friend, Debbie Tholen of Clinton. David was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Tina Lee (Jackson) Gaines. Most of David’s remains will be buried in Springdale cemetery at the foot of his mother’s final resting place. The rest will be scattered at a location dear to his heart.

Dad, we go forward with the hope that you know how much you were loved and adored. We tried to tell you often, but words cannot do justice for what you meant and will always mean to us. It doesn’t take fancy cars and expensive vacations to be a great father. Your legacy lives on in us, remembered as a father who was loving and affectionate in both words and actions and will always be our Hero. Dad, we love you.

The family would like to thank the caring people at Genesis, Mercy and Pape, as well as Pastor Pete. We graciously ask that anyone who ever knew our father share their memories with us, online at www.papefh.com so that those memories can live on.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in David’s name, sent in care of Pape Funeral Home, 2308 Pershing Boulevard, Clinton, Iowa 52732.