Robert Gaines

ORAN, Mo. — Robert Taylor Gaines, 94, of Oran passed away Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017, at his family home.

He was born Sept. 20, 1923, in Portageville, Missouri, to the late Robert Bert and Della Taylor Gaines. He married Emma Eftink on Feb. 21, 1950, and she survives of the home.

Robert was a retired, self-employed farmer. He was a member of Guardian Angel Catholic Parish and St. Joseph Sodality of Oran, and a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 4311.

Robert served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

He is survived by his loving wife, Emma Gaines; two sons, John (Debbie) Gaines and Andrew (Tammy) Gaines, both of Oran; four daughters, Mary Ann (Ken) Sallman of Ramsey, Minnesota, Martha J. Hamm of Chaffee, Missouri, Donna (Alan) Zeigler of Benton, Missouri, and Betty (Larry) Essner of Benton; 16 grandchildren, Janet (Al) Pagel of Benson, Minnesota, Melissa Sallman of Orlando, Florida, Bill (Dianna) Hamm of Scott City, Keith (Kelli) Hamm of Jackson, Brian (Mary Beth) Hamm of Benton, Angela (Justin Overton) Baker of Benton, Michael (Ashley) Zeigler of Scott City, Sarah (Aaron) Young of Fulton, Missouri, Derek (Darby) Gaines of Searcy, Arkansas, Matthew (Jody) Essner of Columbia, Missouri, Justin (Rebecca) Essner of Orlando, Janelle (Tim) Panosian of Waltham, Massachusetts, Kayla Essner of Aurora, Colorado, Kelsey (Jacob) Bullinger of Sweetwater, Texas, Kacie (Andrew) Hulshof of Oran and Krissy Gaines of Springfield, Missouri; 14 great-grandchildren, Victoria, Kimberly and Joey Pagel, Karson, Kynsleigh, William II (Liam) and Isabella (Bella) Hamm, Conner Baker, Avery Zeigler, Garrett, Brock and Benjamin Essner, and Nathan and Rowan Panosian.

He was also preceded in death by a son-in-law, Roger Hamm; two grandsons, Kenny Sallman and John Wayne Hamm; a brother, Jessie Gaines; and two sisters, Kathleen Almand and Marie Gaines.

Friends may call after 3:30 p.m. today at Guardian Angel Catholic School Gymnasium in Oran. Parish rosary will be at 4 p.m., followed by a K.C. prayer service. Visitation will continue at 8 a.m. until time of service Monday at the school.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Guardian Angel Catholic Church, with the Rev. Randy Tochtrop officiating. Burial will be at the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of your choice in the memory of Robert T. Gaines.

Online condolences may be shared at www.amick-burnettfuneralchapels.com.