Howard Gaines, Jr., 80, of Mount Vernon, Illinois was born January 2, 1941, in Humphrey, Mississippi to the union of the late Howard and Cora Lee (Coleman) Gaines, Sr.
He departed this life on Sunday, May 16, 2021, at 4:20 am at Nature Trail Health Care Center in Mount Vernon, Illinois. Howard was a quiet person who did not say too much. His cousin, Samuel Harrington could play Dominoes for many hours with him. He loved to watch Western movies.
Howard confessed a belief in Christ at an early age at Mount Carmel M.B. Church of Belzoni, Mississippi. He moved to Chicago, Illinois, and joined the New Morning Star M.B. Church. He later moved to Mount Vernon, Illinois, and joined the New Life M.B. Church, pastored by Reverend Delano Scott. Howard received his education in Belzoni, Mississippi at McNair School.
A Visitation will be held Saturday, May 22, 2021, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Newell Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois. A Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Bethel Memorial Cemetery in Mount Vernon, Illinois. Please remember to observe social distancing at this time. Following the CDC and NFDA regulations, we encourage everyone who has not been vaccinated to wear a mask. They will be made available, upon request. Call Newell Funeral Home at 618-246-0100 or visit newellfuneralhome.com for further information.
Howard was the fourth of six children. His siblings were Samuel Gaines, M.L. Gaines, and Robert L. Gaines, who all preceded him in death. His siblings, Ethel G. Hammons Chicago, Illinois, and Roosevelt (Denise) Gaines of Mount Vernon, Illinois survive.
Along with his brother and sister, Howard leaves to mourn his passing, a loving daughter, Mrs. Debbie (Robert) Johnson; one grandson, Courtney Bankhead; a host of relatives and friends, caregiver, Vergie Moore; and friend, Louise Monroe.
