Moses William Gaines, Jr.

Moses William Gaines Jr.

Moses William Gaines Jr., born July 27, 1944, in Russellville, Kentucky, was the youngest of two children. He was deeply involved in youth sports and played a major role in shaping the lives of young men and women in Indianapolis for over 40 years.

Moses graduated in 1963 from Russellville High School and was highly recruited by the University of Kentucky to play football at a time when there were no Blacks playing at UK or in the SEC. The first Black player to play at Kentucky would not come until 1967. After High School, Moses enlisted in the US Army serving 3 years of years during the Vietnam War and rising to the rank of Corporal. In 1969, Moses moved to Indianapolis and began working for UPS. This is where he met the love his life Rose Barnett, and in 1974 they wed. Moses and Rose enjoyed 48-years of marriage until her passing in March of 2022.

Moses was raised in a strong Christian family and was preceded in death by his parents Moses William Gaines Sr. and Ida Mae Gaines, as well as his sister Marilyn Gaines. Moses had six children, Charles S. Eberhardt, II (Darlene), Lamonte Gaines, Ebon Gaines (Tracey), Mark S. Gaines (Karmell), Rebecca L. Gaines, and Moses W. Gaines III. Moses was further blessed with seventeen (17) grandchildren: Darryl Eberhardt (Karletta), Charles S. Gipson-Eberhardt (Amanda), Charles S. Eberhardt III, Johnathan W. Eberhardt, Kailynn Gaines, Ebone Gaines, Lunden Alyce Gaines, Shapreia Jeniah Gaines, John Norris Golden, Alyssa Marie Gaines, Mark S. Gaines II, Elyza Murtie Sarver, Elyjah Moses Sarver, Eli Monte Wilson, Alexzander Holmes-Gaines, Conrad Bryant and Adam Holmes-Gaines; and six (6) greatgrandchildren Desjon, Kye, Charles, Jayla, Aurora, Allie Rose, and Jalaya.

Moses was a self-employed master carpenter whose work can be found in the homes and businesses of several prominent Indianapolis residents. Moses was also a committed volunteer in youth sports for over 40 years where he served as umpire, coach, mentor, board member and Champion. In this stretch, Moses would become most known for his role as the coach of the Chicago Bears (25 Championships) who competed as part of the Lawrence Elementary Football League. In 2011, the league named one of its three football fields after Moses. He was also an avid fan of all things Kentucky, especially UK basketball.

A man of deep faith, Moses found God at an early age as a member of First Baptist Church in Russellville, Kentucky. Moses continued to shepherd his family as they became members of Greater Galilee Missionary Baptist Church and in later years as a member of New Horizon Church. Moses was also very proud of his unofficial nephew/pastor, Eric L. Wiggins.

Moses, a beacon of kindness and love, will forever reside in our hearts. His legacy, exemplified by his service to others, his willingness to volunteer and mentor, and his compassion will continue to inspire and guide us. As we grapple with the loss of his physical presence, we find solace in knowing that his spirit lives on through the love he instilled in us.