Jon William Gaines

Memorial services for Jon William Gaines, 68, Overbrook, will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, November 18 at Worden Cornerstone Church in Baldwin City, KS. Burial will immediately follow at Twin Mound Cemetery in Overbrook, KS. A visitation for family and friends is being held at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home on Friday, November 17 from 5-7 p.m.

Jon William Gaines was born on July 17, 1955, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Floyd and Lois (Downing) Gaines. He passed from this life surrounded by his family on Monday, November 13, 2023, at KU Medical Center after a courageous battle with esophagus cancer.

Jon grew up in rural Douglas County as the fifth generation on the Gaines 3M family farm. His childhood was spent enjoying the best of country living with a tight-knit family within the communities of Richland and Clinton.

He attended Wakarusa Valley Elementary, South Junior High, and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1973. Jon graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelors Degree in Environmental Studies. Many treasured friendships that were formed during his school years were carried through the remaining decades of his life. He dedicated 26 years as an employee of Life Span Institute at the University of Kansas.

On June 13, 1981, he was joined in marriage with Elizabeth (Betty) Marie Ryan in Colby, KS. He was a nurturing and supportive father to their children, Jeremy Lawrence and Stephanie Rose. His favorite past times in life involved caring for his herd of Hereford cattle, spending the summers in the hay fields, family time around a fire in his beloved Gaines Walnut Grove, deer hunting, pheasant hunting at the Ryan family farm, watching KU Jayhawks, and smoking meats for countless gatherings. Those who knew him have described him as a kind, caring friend to all, always willing to help in any way, and an all-around great man. He was a man of principle who valued respect, honesty and man’s word.

Jon was an active member of the Albert Neese Masonic Lodge where he served several terms as Grand Master. He also served many years as the President of the Twin Mound Cemetery.

Jon will be greatly missed by his wife, Betty and son Jeremy Gaines, daughter Stephanie McNish and son-in-law Earl. He was a proud and loving Papa to his grandchildren: Asher Gaines, Baret Barquist, Savannah, Henry, and Evan McNish. Other survivors include his siblings: Linda (Bernie) Faust, Saundra (Paul) Hiller, Diana Skinner, Tom Gaines. He is also survived by sisters-in-law: Margaret (Don) Spangler, Rosie Schell, Mary Woydziak, Patricia Ryan, Lois Ryan and brothers-in-law: Larry (Linda) Ryan, Bill (Kathy) Ryan, Terry Ryan, Donald Ryan, and Jerry Ryan and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws H.L. and Ethel (Bailey) Ryan. Brothers-in-law: Delbert Skinner, Thomas Ryan, Jim Ryan, Jerome Schell, and Jim Woydziak.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Wakarusa River Valley Heritage Museum sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Messages & Condolences

From Tom McNish...

Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to you and the family during this difficult time.

From Derek & Brenda Welsh...

Sorry to hear about Jon. We send our thoughts and prayers to you all.

From Gary Hamilton...

Am truly blessed by God to have known my friend, mentor and Brother in Christ and Brother Mason. Thank you God for allowing our paths to cross while on this walk in life. May God give family and friends strength and comfort knowing there will be life together one day.

From ROBERT L PARKER...

JON WAS A KIND AND GENTLE MAN. A GOOD FRIEND AND NEIGHBOR ALWAYS WILLING TO HELP NO MATTER THE CHORE. CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY. R I P JON

From George & Cheryl Hunsinger...

Betty, Steph, Linda and the whole gang. Was saddened to learn of Jon’s passing. He was a good man, and always a delight to visit with. Don’t believe he ever met a stranger. Our thoughts and prayer are with you all.

From PHILIP HODSON...

Just sad to know Jon is gone now . I went to school with Jon and visited him a few times at the homestead . Helped cut up a deer at his butcher shop . Jon a stand up likeable guy from the get go . We’ve lost a good one with his passing . RIP brother . Condolences to the family.

From Carla Harris...

Jon will be missed. I worked in one of the offices he brought LSI info too. He always had something funny to say that would brighten a dreary day. He will be missed

From Nancy Bagwell...

Tom and Jessica and family so sorry for the loss of Jon. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

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