Obituary of Gene Gaither

Gene Gaither of Lodi passed away on August 19, 2005 in Lodi at the age of 78. Mr. Gaither was born in Tryon, Oklahoma on September 17, 1926 to James and Margaret Gaither. He served in the U. S. Army during WWII. He was a gospel singer for over 40 years, under contract with Word Records in Waco, Texas. He traveled nationally for many years, singing with his wife. Gene was a self-taught master of Spanish. He played the guitar, enjoyed gardening, particularly his roses, and loved his dog, Webber. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Lodi. He is survived by his wife, Mary Jayne Gaither of Lodi; children, Tim (wife, Elizabeth) Gaither of Sacramento, Teresa Arata of Lodi and Michelle Gaither of Lodi; step-children, Barbara (husband, Terry) Simning of Lodi, Dean Gaetke of Lodi, Marilyn Cunnington of Stockton, Bruce (wife, Linda) Gaetke of Lodi and Brian Gaetke of Burbank; 27 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; brother, Glendall Gaither of Fresno; sisters, Oneta Smith-Green of Las Vegas and Melba Hager of Fresno. He was preceded in death by four siblings and granddaughter, Chelsea Gaetke. A Celebration of Gene's life will be held at First Baptist Church on Friday at 2:00 PM with Pastor Steve Newman officiating. Committal will immediately follow. Visitation will begin at Lodi Funeral Home on Tuesday from 8:00 AM until 8:00 PM and will continue for the same hours on Wednesday and Thursday.