Gainer, Phillip "Phil" Edward
Obituary
Phillip “Phil” Edward Gainer, age 94, died August 4, 2018 at 1:30 am at home. His parents James A. Gainer and Bernice Girardin precede him in death. A wife, Reba Jeannine, four children, survive Mr. Gainer: Phyllis Esqueda, Cheryl Gainer, Keith Gainer, and Janet Perry. He leaves behind grandchildren: Deanna Greene, Christopher and Jenny Esqueda, Hilary and Patrick Paine, and Sara Gainer-Lane, great grandchildren Alyssa Greene, Noah Greene, extended family, and dear friends. Phil is a veteran, serving in the Navy in WW II and the Korean War. He served on several different Navy vessels during both wars and was awarded the Korean Ribbon and the Presidential Unit Citation during the Korean War. He served as a radio operator and repairman, however Phil could repair almost anything electrical and was a much-needed radio and electronic repairman during both wars. Phil was born March 3, 1924 in Galveston, Texas and grew up and attended school there before entering the Navy. After serving in WWII Phil resided in Texas City, met and married his sweetheart, Reba Jeannine Hunter Gainer. In Texas City Phil helped start radio station KTLW by participating in building the transmitter. He also worked at the radio station as an announcer and was best known as “Uncle Phil” who read the Texas City Sun Sunday comics to the children. The Navy recalled Mr. Gainer September 1951 and he served in the Korean War in the Pacific. After the Korean War, he resided in Houston, Texas with his wife and children. He worked for Schlumberger and then when NASA opened, he applied for a position and was hired. Mr. Gainer worked in many different operations and missions at NASA earning many awards and commendations before retiring from NASA in 1988. Phil was interested in anything electrical, astronomy, photography, building and utilizing telescopes, and traveling with family to visit many state and national parks. He could often be found outside with a telescope and a crowd of family and friends when the night sky was clear. He was a devoted husband and loving father who made sure his children and grandchildren were able to visit and enjoy many of the natural wonders of the United States as well as numerous theme parks and historic sites. A Memorial Service honoring the life of Phillip Edward Gainer will be held Saturday, September 8, 2018 at 4:00 pm at: Aria Cremation Service & Funeral Home, 19310 Preston Road, Dallas, TX 75252. In lieu of flowers the family asks you consider making a donation to the charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of ARIA Cremation Service and Funeral Home 19310 Preston Road Dallas, Texas 75252 214-306-6700
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While I never met Mr. Gainer, I have been blessed to call Cheryl and Hillary ( and Sara!) friends for the last 13 years because of the Great Gluten Escape. During those years, I listened to Cheryl’s stories of her family, especially the time she spent with her parents. I must tell you, I felt a small connection with Mr. Gainer as I read about his amazing life. I, too, was a DJ in my earlier life! Please know my prayers are with the family during this time.
My favorite memory of Mr. Gainer goes back to his days of driving Janet and me to school in the mornings. From him, I learned to love listening to “The Rest of the Story” with Paul Harvey. Mr Gainer was such a calm and easy going presence that I remember so well from my childhood years. My condolences to the family.