Ronald Lester Gaines, 75, of Karthaus, died Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016 at Pottersdale Park, Karthaus. Born May 5, 1941 in Philipsburg, he was the son of the late William and June M. Heichel Gaines.
Surviving are his sisters, Carol Mostyn and Dorothy Gaines and her companion, James Reese, all of Karthaus, and his brothers, Jerald Gaines and his wife, Beverly of Frenchville and Fredrick M. Gaines and his wife, Judy of Keewaydin.
Also surviving are five nieces and five nephews, including one special nephew, Andrew (AJ) Reese, who he spent much time with. Also surviving is his sister-in-law, Alicia Gaines of Karthaus.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Timothy W. Gaines.
Mr. Gaines attended the Community Alliance Church, Karthaus.
He was a 1960 graduate of the former Cooper Township High School. He was previously employed by River Hill Coal Company.
He served in the U.S. Army where he obtained the rank of SP4 from 1964-1966 during the Vietnam era.
He was a life member of the Karthaus Volunteer Fire Company, Karthaus, holding several offices including president for many years.
He was president of the Karthaus Ambulance Service (serving many years as a driver). He was a board member of the Pottersdale Park Association and a member of Mosquito Creek Sportsmen’s Club, Frenchville.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, at the Community Alliance Church, Karthaus, with Pastor Daniel Beeman officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Memorial Cemetery, Karthaus.
Military honors will be accorded at the cemetery by the Liegey-Renaud V.F.W. Post 8386, Frenchville.
Family and friends will be received from 4 p.m. -7 p.m. Tuesday at Strange & Weaver Funeral Service, Morrisdale, and again from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Wednesday at the church.
Family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Karthaus Fire Company, Karthaus, PA 16845 or the Pottersdale Park Association, 210 Teeter Tipple Rd., Pottersdale, PA 16871.