Raymond Lee Gaines Sr. of Bellefontaine, passed away at home on Saturday, May 3, 2025

He was born in Martins Ferry, OH on November 15th,1938 son of the late Arthur F. and Arlene (Thompson) Gaines

After graduating from high school, he joined the Air Force in 1957 and served 12 years, stationed at Ellsworth AFB in South Dakota, Otis AFB in Massachusetts.  Moving to Bellefontaine in 1969 and finishing his military career at Campbell Hill, retiring as a Staff Sargent

On August 4th, 2006, he married Cara Magers, Survivors include his wife, Cara. Sons Lee (Wendy) Gaines and Richard Magers- Cook of Bellefontaine; daughters Dajuan (Todd) Kindle of West Liberty and Denise Gaines of Bellefontaine and Whitney (Jacob) Michaels of New York and sister Mary Walker of California.  Grandchildren: Joanie Gaines, Janessa (Brett) Stecker, Lauren (Jake Greiner) Kindle, Laura and Jackie Sensenbrenner, David Bohling, CJ(Abigail) Cook, Mason (Haylei Elkins) Cook, and a great-grandson Corbin Lee arriving in June. As well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.  Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Son Glenn "Mike" Gaines, Brothers William (Bill) Gaines, Samuel Gaines, Donald Gaines and sister Charlotte Trotter

​Raymond was a Cleveland Browns, Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland Indians fan.  He also enjoyed attending sporting events for his kids and grandkids. He never knew a stranger and would talk to anyone.

A gathering of family and friends will take place from 2-4 PM Friday at Jennings Farley & Seeley Funeral Home and Crematory 5591 US Highway 68 S. West Liberty, Ohio 43357