Darrell Leon Gaines (Lansing)

Mr. Darrell Leon Gaines (Evans) better known as “Dee” passed away Wednesday, January 6, 2021, in Lansing, Michigan. Age 37 years. He was born on May 17, 1983, to Darrell Evans and Stacy Gaines in Gary, Indiana. After the death of his mother, he relocated to Lansing where he was raised and loved by two beautiful stepmothers, Patricia (Willie) Hooper and Beverly (Darrell) Evans.

Dee graduated from Harry Hill Academy in 2002 and later enlisted in the United States Army as an Automated Logistics Specialist. While in the military, he served in Operation Iraq and in South Korea. Darrell received numerous medals and ribbons of honor including Certificate of Training-Combat Lifesaver Course, the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and the Overseas Service Ribbon.

After being honorably discharged from the United States Army in 2007, Dee continued his education at Career Quest where he received several Certificates of Achievement, one of them being that of Phlebotomy. He worked as a Phlebotomist at CSL Plasma in Lansing, Michigan where he was known as the Phlebotomist with the “Easy Touch”. He also worked his dream job at POWER 96.5 FM Radio Station where his model was “NEVER GIVE UP…ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE”!

Dee was a dedicated and loving brother, caregiver, guardian, and protector to his younger sister Tronika “Nikki” Vontay Prentice who he lovingly called “Mooses”. His love for family and friends was color blind and knew no boundaries. He loved children and like the Pied Piper would be found surrounded by every little person in the room singing his name, “Uncle Dee, Uncle Dee” laughing, talking, running and dancing…his energy was boundless and would fill the room when he entered. He always had a big infectious smile, a big ready hug and a soft kiss on the forehead for his family and friends. In his later years, he developed a love for cooking and would often be found feeding people and enjoying life. He was loved by all.

He leaves to cherish his memory, father, Pastor Darrell (Beverly) Evans, Sr.; mother, Patricia (Willie) Hooper; sister, Tronika Vontay Prentice; brother, Jamall (Latora) Reggans, Sr.; 3 stepsisters, Jeanette, Shiqutia and Erika Norris; 5 stepbrothers, Bruce, Jr. and Jonathon Brown, Willie, Jr and Ledon Hooper and Dendrick Manning; godson, Samson; aunts, LaDonna, LaRonda, LaTresha, Sarah, and Sharon; many other aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends including special friends, Jamie Baker, Joseph Neiff, Shiana Russey, Wendy Morris, Kenya Woodson, Jessica Babcock, Christina Marger, and Man’s Best Friend, his dog, KING.

He was proceeded in death by his biological mother, Stacy Gaines-Henderson, Grandparents, Harrison and Annie Mae Evans; Brenda and Larry Clark and older Brother, Kenneth Reggans, Jr.