Donald Ray "Mickey" Gaines, age 75 of Stroud, Oklahoma passed away at Veteran's Hospital in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and stepped into heaven on Tuesday, December 22, 2015. He was born in Stroud on Thursday, May 23, 1940 to Willie C. and Valeria I. Gaines.

He completed both his primary and secondary school years at Stroud Public Schools and graduated from Stroud High School in 1958.

Shortly after graduation {during the Cuban Missile Crisis}, Mickey joined the United States Air Force and completed five five years of military service with tours in Wyoming, New York and Europe {mainly Spain}. After an industrious active duty career in the Air Force, Mickey took away three three core values {integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do} and returned back to the states in 1966.

Upon his return, he found and married his sweetheart, Edith M. Todd, bore/raised six beautiful children, and remained happily married for 48 inspirational years!

During Mickey's time on earth he accomplished much, loved many, and left a lasting legacy. He loved playing the sport of basketball and softball, coaching baseball, watching football and heckling officials in all the other sports. He challenged kids of all ages/races/backgrounds and was not ashamed to tell them they needed to play sports. He was infatuated with athletics because in his words “sports make you a better person and keeps you busy and out of trouble.” His favorite teams were the Stroud Tigers, Oklahoma Sooners and Dallas Cowboys.

He wore many hats… not only the ones that illustrated his commitment as a loving husband, father, brother and friend but those that exemplified his character and leadership such as Stroud Citizen of the Year, Stroud Booster Club President, Stroud School Board Member {15 years}, and the ultimate Lifetime Achievement Award.

Mickey also loved many… he loved his family/friends/co-workers, his jobs, and raising money for schools and special community projects; he was a real go-getter! He was a good listener especially when it came to meeting the needs for all-things Stroud/kids. He spent countless hours volunteering/serving people and was first in line to take on tasks and get the job done. He walked many steps, drove many miles, jumped through many hoops, and went above and beyond the standard call of duty: that’s Mickey!

His legacy can be defined as an amount of money or property left to someone in a will like an inheritance/endowment/gift. Mickey’s legacy is aligned with the above definition in addition to one one that reflects the Golden Rule, Be-Attitudes, and Life of Jesus. He treated others like he wanted to be treated, blessed people and loved unconditionally; he never met a stranger. He was the epitome of a patriarch, soldier, Christian, and God’s Gift to Stroud, Lincoln County and the State of Oklahoma.

He was proud to be an American and he is now free! He gladly stood up next to all of you and defended us every day. There ain’t no doubt that he loved this land and saluted us on his way.

Mickey was preceded in death by his beloved grandfather, Richmond Gaines "Papa", father, Bill Gaines, mother, Valeria Gaines and brothers- Herbert Lee and Victor Gaines.

He is survived by his loving wife, Edie Gaines of Stroud; six children, Rickey Gaines of Missouri City, Texas, Tonia Gaines-Williamson of Oklahoma City, Don Gaines of Perkins, Sam Gaines of Garland, Texas Sarah Gaines of Oklahoma City and Josh Gaines of Stroud; twelve grandchildren, Tiffany, Becky, Trinity, Liz, Arianna, D2, DJ, Alexis, Kobe, Alyssia, Samuel and S. J. and five great-grandchildren, Zeke, Kaedance, C. J., Darren and Keanon.

Also surviving is Aunt Maxine Galtney, four supportive sisters {all of Dallas, Texas} Arvella Peters, Loretta Moore, Alice White and Willie C. Pegues/their respective husbands, and a host of brother/sister-in-laws, son/daughter-in-laws, special nephews and nieces and all of his loving friends.

Mickey was loved by all that knew him, and he will be deeply missed.

The Celebration of Life/Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 30, at 10:00 a.m. at the Stroud Route 66 Coliseum with Pastor James E. Reed officiating.

After the service, a graveside service will be held at Golden Valley Cemetery followed by a family dinner at The First Baptist Church Family Center.

Boomer Sooner!