Stephen “Steve” Michael Gaines, age 70, passed away on November 15, 2025, after a hard-fought battle against cancer.
Steve was born on February 5, 1955, in Circleville, Ohio, to the late Williard and Ethel (Stonerock) Gaines. He graduated from Circleville High School in 1973, where he met his high school sweetheart and beloved wife, Betty (Oliver) Gaines. They were married on February 23, 1974, and had a son, and two daughters.
Steve was known as a hard worker from an early age, and he held the motto, “You should never be late for work.” He served in the U.S. Army’s 298th MP Company 24th Infantry in Fort Stewart, Georgia and as a Motor Sergeant at Hunter Airfield in Savannah, Georgia. Steve was honored to serve his country and was a proud member of Amvets Post 2256.
After the Army, Steve dedicated his life to law enforcement and retired as a lieutenant with the Circleville Police Department. After his retirement, he continued working in the court systems in Pickaway County and retired a second time as the supervisor in the Probate Courts. During his time in law enforcement, Steve won many awards, including Police Officer of the Year and the Senate Proclamation for Outstanding Service. Steve had a deep respect and love for the law enforcement and judges of Pickaway County.
Steve found peace and serenity in the woods. It was his favorite place in the whole world. He especially loved going to his cousin’s cabin near Bull Creek, where he spent time deer hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting and playing cards with his brother Bob, his son Steve and many beloved cousins, uncles, nephews and friends. Steve loved the simplicity of sitting in the woods and taking in the scenery. He called his wife one time just to describe a peaceful moment in the woods while fresh snow was falling. Steve embraced being an outdoorsman and could name every tree, plant or animal sound.
Steve was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was proud to support his family and to be able to provide for them. They all brought him great joy. He fostered his relationship with his children by coaching them and cheering them on in various sports, such as baseball, softball and Peewee football. Steve’s mother taught him and his siblings a love and passion for cooking. His family especially loved his chicken and noodles, grilled meats and ribs. Steve’s grandmother taught him how to garden. He developed a “green thumb” and enjoyed many hours of planting flowers with his wife Betty. They also enjoyed antiquing together and cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Steve will be remembered as a hardworking man who loved his wife and family beyond measure and who served his community with pride.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents Williard and Ethel Gaines; his brother Ronald; his sisters Joyce, Sharon and Deborah. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years Betty (Oliver) Gaines; his brother Robert (Cheri) Gaines of Delaware, Ohio; his children Steve (Shauna) Gaines, Nancy (Matthew) Conrad, Natalie, Austin and Ashley Gaines; his grandchildren Morgan, Nathan, Brendan, Noah, Ryan, Josiah, Nicholas and Alex Gaines, Isaac (Alexis) Conrad, Bethany Conrad, Alyssa (Ethan) Lilly, and Ethan Conrad; great-grandchildren Greyson, Junia, Theodore and Naomi; his best canine friends Holly and Millie. Funeral services are being handled by Defenbaugh Wise Schoedinger Funeral Services. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
A special thank you to Amvets, Circleville Police Department, Pickaway County Sheriff’s Department, our wonderful friends Homam and Linda Yaktin and Heartland Hospice for all of their care and compassion.
