David Milton Gaines, age 91, of Salem, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his daughter’s home in Brentwood, Tennessee, on Friday, April 25, 2025.

David was born on April 24, 1934, in Dearborn, Michigan, to David Milton and Louise Colston Gaines. He married Victoria Ann Carlson on March 24, 1956, in Lansing, Michigan, and they spent 66 wonderful years together before her passing on November 1, 2022.

David is survived by three children: Douglas Gaines and wife Lori of Worden, IL; Elizabeth Bruggen and husband Karl of West Chester, OH; and Rebecca Jackson and husband Daniel of Brentwood, TN. He is also survived by thirteen grandchildren: Courtney, Erica, Matthew, Keegan, Kaylee, Connor, Eric, Joel, Seth, Ryan, Evan, Anna, and Will, and eight great-grandchildren.

David was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Ann; his sister, Doris Canavan, and two sons, Kirk Gaines and Matthew Gaines.

David graduated from Michigan State University with a BS in Agronomy in 1956. He worked as a journeyman machinist at Oldsmobile and retired early to take over the family farm. David moved his family to southern Illinois in 1965 and thoroughly loved farming. He served this community as a member and president of the Marion County Farm Bureau and as Stevenson Township Supervisor. He served on the University of Illinois Ag Advisory Board for several years. He was also actively involved in Southern Illinois Grape Growers Association, Illinois Corn Growers Association, and the Illinois Soybean Association.

He cherished his time with family, always ready with a story or a word of wisdom. He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, work ethic, and the quiet but powerful way he impacted the lives of those around him.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 31st at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem, from 2 until 4, with a short memorial service following. Memorial contributions can be made to Alive Hospice and can be received at the funeral home. Online condolences can be left at www.CrouseFH.com.