Earl Edward Gaines, 63, passed away at his home in Sterling, Colorado on July 23, 2012 after a lengthy illness. He was born February 28, 1949 in Myrtle, Missouri to Charles and Lavera (Runge) Gaines.

When Earl was 12 years old his family moved to Logan, Kansas where Earl went to school and later married Rosemary Ebner. Earl and Rosemary made their home in the Logan and Glade area for many years. They were blessed with a son, Kevin, which was the joy of Earl's life.

Earl worked with his father doing mechanical work and custom combining for many years. In later years he worked on his own doing mechanical work and working for farmers in Phillips County, Kansas and surrounding areas.

Earl was an avid fisherman and enjoyed sharing his "catch" with family and friends. He especially enjoyed fishing and working with his son, Kevin.

Recently his sister, Elaine and friend, Dennis Baker, brought back some fish from Texas. Earl was thrilled to be able to share a meal of fresh fish with his sister, since they had enjoyed fishing together years earlier. Just last week he was fortunate to be able to spend some time with his brother, Marvin, when he and his daughters, along with Teresa Griffin, visited him at his home in Colorado.

Earl was preceded in death by his father, Charles Gaines; a brother, Arron Gaines; stepfather, Omar Ellis; sister-in-law, Linda Gaines; and brother-in-law, Richard Brown.

He is survived by his son, Kevin Gaines of Phillipsburg, Kansas; his mother, LaVera Ellis of Sterling, Colorado; stepmother, Virginia Gaines of Alma, Nebraska; two sisters, Elaine Horn Brown of Boise, Idaho and Ellen Fay Kemper and husband, Gary of Phillipsburg, Kansas; one brother, Marvin Gaines of Logan, Kansas; his stepbrother, Steve Weeks of Orleans, NE; two stepsisters, Gwen Smith of Alma, NE and Robin Fitzgerald of Grand Island, NE; a Special loving cousin, Judy Stover of Sterling, Colorado; along with several nieces, nephews, three aunts, three uncles, cousins and a circle of friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Sat., July 28 in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Joel Hiesterman officiating. Burial will follow in the Kirwin Cemetery, Kirwin, KS.

Visitation will be Thursday from 5-9 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. at the funeral home, with the family receiving friends Fri. evening from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Earl E. Gaines Memorial Fund.