Lawrence Oliver Gaines

Mr. Lawrence Oliver Gaines, “Larry” or “L.O. G.” was born on Thursday August 6, 1953 in East Chicago, Indiana to the late Thomas “Tommie” Gaines Sr. and Johnnie Mae (Comer) Gaines of East Chicago, Indiana.

 Larry spent his early childhood as a resident of the New Addition, Indiana community. Lawrence accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior at the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church of East Chicago, Indiana under the leadership of the late Reverend Moses Sykes.

Larry was a dedicated student and worker throughout his entire life. During his early elementary days, Larry was the proud recipient of the “Mr. Columbus School'' award. Larry’s first job as a young man, was as a shoe salesman and clothing store specialist on Main Street in East Chicago, Indiana. He worked and studied hard to graduate one year early from East Chicago Roosevelt’s Rough Rider class of 1971.

  Larry was a proud member and Sergeant of the United States Air Force in the 1970’s. He was a refrigeration and air-conditioning specialist while serving in the U.S. Air Force. After serving in the Air Force at St. Andrews Base in Maryland, Larry returned back to Northwest Indiana and began employment at Standard Oil/Amoco/BP oil refinery where he worked for over 30 years until retirement in 2006.

 Larry had a passion for music.  He loved listening to the blues, jazz, hip hop and old school R&B.  Singing “Love and Happiness” always brought a smile to his face. Lawrence was serious about taking care of his entire family. He was a problem solver.  Everyone knew that they could count on Larry.  He loved to make people laugh with his witty humor and hilarious facial expressions.

Larry had a love and passion for customized cars and trucks. Every vehicle that he drove contained tinted windows, a great sound system, a sunroof, and a stripe down the side. Throughout his lifetime, Lawrence had a love for Cadillacs, Chevys, and Oldsmobile vehicles. American made was the way to go for Larry with very few exceptions.   Lawrence shared an intense passion for hosting backyard barbeques with friends and family. Although you would rarely find Lawrence on the grill in his later years, he loved hosting and sharing time with family, friends, and a bottle.  He always made sure he had your favorite drink if he knew you were coming and would send somebody to the store if necessary.  It was especially important to Larry that everyone was full, comfortable, and having a good time.

  Lawrence had a boisterous laugh and outpouring spirit that will be remembered and missed by all who encountered his presence. Lawrence had a few famous phrases that we will always treasure in our hearts and minds. “God oh mighty”, “yeah baby”, and “yay yo” are just a few of Larry’s famous contagious phrases.

Lawrence loved watching movies or television shows with anyone who was willing to sit.  Larry enjoyed watching soul town music specials, westerns, Law & Order SVU, and of course his favorite movie Shaft.  Larry loved going to family events early, beating everyone to the event. Truthfully, he went everywhere early, Lawrence Gaines hated to be late.  Larry was a great father, provider, role model, uncle, cousin, godfather, and dear friend to many.

Lawrence was a faithful member of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Justin C. Kidd. He enjoyed early morning service and spending time in the adult Sunday School class. Lawrence loved serving God, providing for his family, and enjoying his amazing life.

Lawrence was preceded by: Parents Tommie and Johnnie Mae Gaines, grandparents John and Essie Comer, brothers, Thomas “Boone” Gaines and Dwight Grice Gaines, and sister Cheryl Elaine (Gaines) McDade. Nephews Vernon Alexander and Anthony Gaines.

Lawrence leaves to cherish his memory two children John E. Gaines and Lauren Nicole Gaines. One stepdaughter Monique Cager. Three grandchildren, Jayla Nicole Gaines, Zaliyah Nicole Gaines, and James Thomas Brooks.  One great grandson, Zamir Amare Palmer-Washington. Sister/mother figure Sheila (Gaines) Banks of Hammond, IN. Sister Juanita McGuire, of Schererville, IN and brother Jeffery Tommie Gaines of Irondale, AL. Sister-in-Law, Antionette Gaines. Nieces and nephews Cheryl Lynn Robinson, Randall McVade, Garrick Alexander, Sandra Hughley, Lonnie McDade Jr, Jeffery Gaines Jr, Eboni Gaines-Greene, and Antoine Gaines. Special Cousin: Jennifer Long, Godchildren: Xavier Qadar, Shonnica Mercer, and Daria Rancifer. Honorary Grandchildren: Quinn, Elijah, Jeru, Malachi, Penny, Donovan, Dorien, and Amare. Love sisters, Ida Mae Gregory, Daisy Peppers, and Bertha Hutton.

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