Donavon "Don" Gaines, 95, Urbana, formerly of Roberts, passed away peacefully at 12:32 a.m. Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at Meadowbrook Health Center, Urbana.

Don was an active member of Immaculate Conception Church, Roberts, where a visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, September 17, 2018. A funeral mass will immediately follow at 11 a.m. with Rev. Marek Herbut officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Roberts with military honors. Baier Family Funeral Services, Paxton is assisting the family with arrangements.

Don was born March 9, 1923 in Hood River, Oregon to Clyde and Esther Foster Gaines. He married Virginia Rose Thoennes on May 2, 1945 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Bloomington. He was preceded in death by his loving wife "Ginny" on December 7, 2005, a grandson Christopher Gaines, one brother and two sisters.

He is survived by one daughter, Mary Sue (Don) Weakman, Piper City and four sons, Richard (Catherine), Orlando, FL, Jeffrey (Rhoda), Champaign, David (Sue), Naples, FL, Gary (Gayle), Bloomington; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Don proudly served in the United States Navy during WWII and was stationed in Perth, Australia and the Philippines where he worked as an aviation mechanic on PBY reconnaissance planes. Don was a longtime member of the American Legion Post 641, Roberts. After serving his country, Don entered the banking industry where he enjoyed a successful career with Roberts State Bank and retired as President.

Don will be remembered as a loving and devoted father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend. He was an avid reader who liked to share his books with others. Don had a keen interest in poetry; often reciting, from memory, some of his favorites by Longfellow and Kilmer. He and Virginia saw much of the country where their travels regularly included road trips to visit family, friends and historical sites. Don often reminisced about his memorable trip to Europe where he toured the great cathedrals and castles furthering his interest in building construction. Don was a carpentry hobbyist who delighted in planning the "how to" for many home renovation projects for himself and his family. He and his friends met regularly for coffee, sharing life stories at what became affectionately known as the "table of knowledge". Don loved all people, young and old, and had the unique ability of making everyone he met feel special.

The family would like to thank Meadowbrook Health Center and DaVita Illini Renal Dialysis for their devoted care, friendship and support.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Roberts Gym Fund, Village of Roberts, Roberts, IL 60962. Condolences may be offered at www.baierfuneralservices.com.