Max C. Gaines II, 52, of Sidney, made his transition to heaven on October 19, 2014 at 4:00 a.m. He was at home with his family when he lost his battle to ALS. Mr. Gaines was born September 6, 1962 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was preceded in death by his parents, Max and Carol (Williams) Gaines and sister, Laurissa Gaines. Max Married Vonna Sue (Suzie) Stone on March 14th 1981; she survives.

Also Surviving are children, Max C. Gaines III (Brandie), of Sidney, Neldie Stone, of Sidney, Leslie Wade, of Champaign, Connie High (Marty), of Homer, Staci Leon, of Philo, and many "adopted" children. Mr. Gaines has seven grandchildren, Max, Alex, and Wyatt Gaines and Katie and Logan Conboy, all of Sidney, Russell High of Homer IL, Carson Leon of Philo, and many "adopted "grandchildren as well. Mr. Gaines has two sisters, Laura Rouse (and her children), of Ogden, and Lisa Brock (Ben), of Texas. Max is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Lois Potter (James, and sons), of West Virginia, Kathleen Frick (Ken, and children), of Clinton, Mary Harpster (Jim and son), of Louisiana, Shirley Fenton (John and sons), of Weldon, and one uncle, Fred Gaines, of Texas.

Mr. Gaines was a disabled veteran and retired from the United States Navy. He was the owner and C.E.O. of Gaines Carpentry & Home Improvements and loved woodworking and anything that involved working with his hands. Max loved to watch his grandchildren play. He was an avid Farm Town and Stronghold Kingdom player on Facebook. He was well loved in the Facebook Community as well. Max had been battling ALS for 5 years, but was strong in his faith and happy until he passed. His love for his family and his country was something to be admired.

A visitation for Mr. Gaines will be held Friday, October 24, 2014 from 6-8 p.m. at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, 1900 S. Philo Rd., Urbana. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 25, 2014, at the Sidney Christian Church, 305 E. Main St., Sidney. Burial will be held in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Sidney, following services.

Donations to the ALS Association may be made in memory of Max C. Gaines II at www.alsa.org/donate. Condolences may be offered online at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.