Thomas W. Gaines Jr., 73, of Collinsville, Ill., born April 3, 1942, in Henderson, Ky., passed away Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, Ill.

Thomas was an avid golfer, and enjoyed golfing any chance he had. He retired from Wiese Planning & Engineering in St. Louis, Mo. His devotion to his granddaughter Riley, was very special. She was his pride and joy and they had an amazing bond.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Gaines, whom he married on Aug. 16, 1969, in Caseyville, Ill., and who died March 12, 2011; his parents, Thomas W. and Emma, nee Scheffer, Gaines Sr.; and a brother-in-law, Don Whitmore.

He is survived by his daughter, Lisette Gaines-Ramsey and her husband William Ramsey with their daughter Riley, of Collinsville, Ill.; two sisters, Donna Hecht and her husband Larry, and Carolyn Whitmore.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society , and may be received at the Herr Funeral Home.

Visitation: Friends may gather and reminisce from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015, at Herr Funeral Home, Collinsville, Ill.