Howard Dowell Gaines, age 95, passed away February 28, 2015 in Kennewick, WA. Howard was born January 28, 1920, the second of five children, to Ray and Mildred Gaines in Dayton, Washington. After high school, Howard joined the Army, beginning his service in San Francisco and eventually ended up in Italy, where he finished his tour of duty. After his return to the states, he began work as a repairman for Sears. It was here that he met Letha (Lee) Allen. On May 4, 1947 they were married and started what would be an almost 68 year love affair. They moved to Yakima, where Howard worked for Goddards Appliance for some time, transferring to the Tri-Cities in 1960. Howard went to work for the City of Kennewick Housing Authority, in 1963, as the maintenance foreman, retiring in 1990. He enjoyed family, time at the cabin and adventures with Letha. He is survived by wife Letha (Lee) Gaines; sons James (Jim) and Susan, Allen (Al) and Teresa; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed. Graveside services will be held Friday, March 6, 2015, 11:00 a.m., at Desert Lawn Memorial Park, 1401 S. Union Street, Kennewick.