Joseph Richard Gaines, Jr. was born in Riverton, Iowa on May 7, 1923 to Joe, Sr. and Martha Ann (Bradley) Gaines. He passed away March 4, 2008 at Village Care Nursing Home in Maryville, Missouri at the age of 84 years.

Joe graduated from Watson High School, Watson, Missouri in 1942. He then enlisted into the United States Air Force, and proudly served his country during World War II until his honorable discharge in 1946. He then returned to Rock Port.

On June 6, 1947, Joe was united in marriage to Lois Alene Brown at the Methodist Church in Hamburg, Iowa and they made their home in Rock Port. Upon his return from the Air Force, Joe was employed by the Atchison Holt Electric Cooperative, Rock Port, where he worked until his retirement in 1988.

Besides his parents, Joe was preceded in death by one grandson, Steve Gaines. Joe is survived by his wife, Lois of the home; his sons, Joseph R., III, (Trey) Gaines and his wife Betty, Rock Port, Gary Alan Gaines and his wife Robin, Covington, Tennessee, and Barry Eugene Gaines and his wife Sally, Waukegan, Illinois; ten grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; sister Audrey Wright, Kansas City, Missouri; numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside Memorial Services and Inurnment: Saturday, March 8, 2008, 10:00 am, High Creek Cemetery, Rock Port.
Memorials: SSM Hospice of Northwest Missouri, Maryville, Missouri.
The family will receive friends at their home, 603 Main Street, Rock Port, Friday, March 7, 2008, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm.
Graveside Military Rites: Ralph Greer American Legion Post #49, Rock Port.
Services: Minter Funeral Chapels, Rock Port.
Obituaries and online condolences: www.minterfuneralchapels.com