Paul Gaines

Gaines Paul Gordon Gaines passed away September 11, 2024, at his home in Edmond.

He was born to William Gore Gaines and Nan Ragland Gaines in Houston, TX on June 6, 1937. The family soon returned to Seminole County, OK where they resided for many years.

Paul Gaines graduated from Konawa High School in 1955, entering East Central State College that same year. He graduated in January 1959 with a B.A. degree in History. In 1968 he completed his M.A. degree at the same college.

Paul was associated with his father in the automobile business in Seminole until the death of his father, Gore Gaines, in 1964.

Over the next several years, Paul was employed by Wewoka Schools as a teacher, grade school principal and high school principal. In 1974, he joined the administration of Governor David Boren, as the Assistant Secretary of the Commissioners of the Land Office. He held this position until the Governor was elected to the U.S. Senate. Paul joined the Boren Senate staff, working primarily in Southeastern Oklahoma. In 1983, Paul was hired by Kerr-Mc-Gee Corporation, working largely in political affairs. When he retired in 1998, he held the title of Director of Public Affairs.

Paul had a life-long interest in government and politics. He attended five separate national political conventions, and met Presidents John F. Kennedy and George H.W. Bush.

Paul was a 32nd degree Mason, Past President of the Seminole Junior Chamber of Commerce, member of the Rotary Club in Wewoka, member of the Last Frontier Council of BSA, a volunteer as a tutor at Columbus School in Oklahoma City, former member of the Board of the East Central Alumni Association, and was active for many years in the Oklahoma City and State of Oklahoma Chambers of Commerce.

At the time of his death, he was a member of the First Christian Church (Disciples) in Edmond, OK. Paul was an avid reader, collecting first addition autographed books and autographed baseballs. Later in life he devoted his time to writing, publishing two books, The Cyclone Legacy and the German Woman’s Hired Hand, and numerous short stories. He enjoyed working in his gardens and yard. He always enjoyed a lively conversation with his sons and friends on politics, sports and religion or any other topic that came to mind. He especially enjoyed learning about his family histories and their connections in the Civil War and American Revolution.

Paul was predeceased by his parents and his wife, Nancy Coley Gaines, whom he married December 16, 1977 in Oklahoma City. He is survived by his four sons and their families: son Gore Gaines and wife Julie, and their children Casey Elizabeth Eagle (and husband Danny) and Colby Gaines of Edmond, OK; son David M. Coley and wife Laura, of Frisco, TX, and their daughters, Alexis Albers (and husband Dylan) of Houston TX and Alisa Joy Coley, of Dallas, TX; son Tim Gaines, and his children Audrey Gaines and Grey Gaines of Shawnee, OK; and son Torrey Gaines, and wife Shannon, of Durant, OK, and their children Kathryn Ristuccia (and husband David) of Garland, TX, Hannah Berryhill (and husband Austin) and their daughter Bonnie of Durant, OK; and Luke Gaines of Durant, OK. He is also survived by cousins, Dr. Rick Griffin and wife Gail, and Tom Griffin, all of Virginia.

Funeral services will be held at First Christian Church of Edmond under the direction of John Regan on September 30, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to First Christian Church of Edmond.