Deacon Walter "Eagle Eye" Gaines

Deacon Walter “Eagle Eye” Gaines, Sr., 89, of Elyria, OH transitioned to Heaven on Monday April 23, 2018 while at Main Street Care Center of Avon Lake, OH following a brief illness; he was surrounded by loving family members at the time of his transition.

 Deacon Gaines was a veteran of the United States Navy.  After serving in the Navy, he eventually settled in Elyria, OH, where he lived for over 50 years.  Mr. Gaines retired from the United States Steel Corporation (USS) in 1986, after 33 years of loyal service. 

Mr.. Gaines was a deeply spiritual man who loved the Lord. He served as a Deacon for Unity Baptist Church for many years before transitioning to Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church to continue his calling as a Deacon. While at Shiloh, he was also a member of the choir, Treasurer Board, and the kitchen committee.  Throughout his life, Walter enjoyed traveling, spending time with family, singing, talking on the CB under the handle of “Eagle Eye,” and baseball (he was an avid Cleveland Indians fan). He also enjoyed watching Western movies and Sanford & Son.  He was a great cook and loved baking (especially sweet potato pies).

Walter leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter JoAnn Board of Elyria, OH and son, Walter Gaines, Jr., of Cincinnati, OH; he will also be sadly missed by his 6 grandchildren: Leonis M, Board, Sr., Dr. Suziliene (Salena) Board, Consuela Gaines, Rissie Gaines, Jamie Gaines, and Travest Gaines; 17 great grandchildren, including Leonis M. Board, Jrand Darien Wood, several great-great grandchildren. and a loving host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. 

Mr. Gaines was preceded in death by his wife, Linnie B. Gaines; son, Johnny Jeffrey Gaines, parents, Ira Lee and Hattie Dammons Gaines; sisters Ophelia, Olivia, Beatrice, Lillie Mae, Ira Lee and his brother, Richard. 

Friends may call Monday, April 30, 2018, in the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Lorain 3900 Clifton Ave, Lorain; from 11:00am until time of service at 12:00noon. Pastor Peter Tower will officiate. Burial at Brookdale Cemetery, Elyria. 

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