After successfully avoiding the inevitable, Daniel N. “Boone” Gainer discovered the proverbial “end of the trail” and ambled off into his heavenly home on November 8th, 2023. Left behind on his trail of life are his loving wife of 39 years, Nora Garrigan Gainer; three children Jesse (Jessica) of Huntsville, AL; Jackson (Ryan) of Knoxville, TN; and Alex (Tam) of Walnut Creek, CA; and four exceptionally bright and beautiful grandchildren (McKenzie, Gavin. McKenna, and Ashlyn); along with his sister-in-law, Judy Gainer of Draper, UT, and his brother Willis “Mont” (Cathy) Gainer of Albuquerque, NM and numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces in WV, NV, TX, UT, and KY. Preceding him on his trail of destiny were his parents, Willis “Jerry” and Edna “Ruth” Gainer and brother Randy.
A somewhat disoriented stork dropped brother Dan into the loving arms of his parents on April 5, 1956 in Barboursville, WV. What followed was a journey that carried him thru several locations and trails in WV, UT, LA, TX, and TN. His adventurous life began with exploring woods and trails in Pendleton and Calhoun counties in WV. To the discouragement of his parents, he followed in the footsteps of his favorite brother and took up playing tuba in the high school band which propelled him into playing with the Pride of West Virginia Mountaineer Marching Band. Can you imagine two sons practicing tuba in their home? After abandoning his life-long ambition to be a traveling professional tuba player, Dan settled on a rock-solid profession in the geological sciences. Degree in hand, sans tuba, Dan pursued a successful career in hazard waste remediation on many sites across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
Often to the dismay of many of his friends and coworkers, Dan was recognized for his perpetual upbeat and positive attitude. When Dan wasn’t pursuing his favorite pastime of weekend napping, he enjoyed ham radio operations, hiking, gardening, fishing and hunting. At age 19, Dan decided to follow Jesus Christ and was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, where over the years he held many leadership positions, including branch president, bishop’s counselor, and stake high council. Dan is most proud of his exceptional family and how successful his children have been in pursuing their dreams and careers.
Funeral services will be 6:00 PM, Monday, November 13, 2023 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 400 Kendall Road, Knoxville, with Bishop Todd Gilday, officiating. Interment will be 10:30 AM Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023 at Eusebia Cemetery, Seymour. The family will receive friends from 4:30 until 6:00 PM Monday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Clean Water Project.
So, on those hot, humid summer evenings, when August thunderstorms are rolling across the East TN hills, listen closely and you may hear echoes of tuba notes playing from a heavenly band and recall with fondness Brother Boone Gainer. Arrangements entrusted to Dotson Funeral Home, Wildwood. (865-984-5959) Online Book of Memories- www.dotsonfuneralhome.com
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