Kenneth “Ham” Gainer, 83, a resident of Montrose, passed from this life Tuesday morning, June 3, 2014 at home. Ham was born Wednesday, December 3, 1930 in Kerens, a son of the late John Gainer and Ethel Harsh Gainer. He was formerly married to JoAnn Gainer who survives in Kerens. Also left to cherish Ham’s memory are eight children, Kenneth Michael Gainer and wife Judy of MD, Susan Diane Hawkins and husband Rick of NC, Sandra K. Jones and husband Terry of Mabie, Kevin Gainer and wife Connie of Kerens, Kimberly A. Nestor and husband Tucker of Hambleton, Kathy J. Lenhart of VA, Jennifer E. Wiseman of OH and Janet D. Mullennex and husband Robert of Montrose, two brothers, Harold Gainer and wife Jean of Kerens and Joe Gainer and wife Patti of Cravensdale, one sister, Faye Vandevender and husband Ralph of Kerens, seventeen grandchildren, twenty two great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and longtime companion, Angela Crites. Preceding Ham in death besides his parents were four brothers, Boyd, Ronnie, Robert and David, and one grandson, William White. Ham attended the schools of Randolph County and was employed as an iron worker with Local Union 568. He was a veteran of the US Navy, a member of the H.W. Daniels Post #29, American Legion and the Tygarts Valley Post #3647, Veterans of Foreign Wars. Ham liked to deer hunt and fish. In later years, he was known for working on lawn mowers and growing an incredible garden. Ham attended the Refuge Church. Ham’s request for cremation will be honored and a memorial service will be held at a later date.
