Don W Gaikins

Life Reflections

Don Winston Gaikins, Sr. was born to the union of Roscoe Lee and Alice Theresa Gaikins on July 25, 1942, in St. Louis, Missouri. He was the oldest of four children born to this union. His parents, bother Terrell and sister Judith preceded him to eternity.

Don met the love of his life, Alice Mary Tyler on a blind date in 1964 and thought it wasn't a match. After a second "blind date" a few weeks later, they decided to become an item. They made it official and were married on June 25, 1965. To this union, they welcomed Heidi, Lisa and Don Jr. Don and Alice remained side by side for 45 years until her passing in 2010.

Don was a gun enthusiast, becoming a Master NRA Bullseye Shooter and lifetime NRA member. He advocated for gun rights and lobbied the Missouri state congress for Missouri's Castle Doctrine. After retirement he taught concealed handgun classes throughout the St. Louis region.

In 1975, Don discovered Amateur Radio and was instantly fascinated. He studied hard and achieved the highest rank of Amateur Extra. His radios and antennas were his pride and joy. Everyone in the neighborhood knew when he "working DX" because he interfered with TVs, radios, stereos and computer speakers. It was not uncommon to hear him saying "calling CQ, calling CQ" late into the night. Don , better known as WOVM, was a lifetime member of the Mississippi Valley DX Club, the DX Bogs.

Don retired from Carondelet Foundry after 35 years of service. In retirement he became an avid bridge player. He played multiple times weekly at Webster Groves and Kirkwood Community Centers.

Don loved to travel with his family and friends, taking multiple trips to Florida, Cancun, Jamaica and Puerto Rico.

He leaves to cherish his memory his three loving children, Heidi Gaikins, Lisa Gaikins-Glover (Kevin) and Don W. Gaikins, Jr. (Elizabeth); grandchildren Brion (Crystal), Hannah, Matthew, and Braylon; Great-grand daughter Jordyn; God-daughter, Mary Monroe; Grand God-son Alden Monroe; his sister Jacquelyn Johnson; sisters-in-law, Rosalena Worsham (John) and Barbara Parran; the most incredible neighbors on Hillside Avenue and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.