Fernando J. Gaitan Sr.

Fernando J. Gaitan, Sr. 92, passed away on Monday, May 11, 2015. He was born in Kansas City, Kansas on August 13, 1922, the fourth child of twelve, born to Mable (Saunders) and Jose Gaitan. His parents, wife of 62 years, Betty Gaitan, along with two sons, Donnyel and Evaristo; grandson, Donnyel Jr.; five brothers and four sisters preceded him in death.

Fernando attended Sumner High School and later served in the United States Army as a member of the Tenth Calvary. He was very proud of his horse riding ability with his favorite horses named Caliente and San Dino. He was honored as a member of the Buffalo Soldiers at a service in Leavenworth, Kansas in 1992. He later worked at Armour Packing House in Kansas City, Kansas and also was employed at the Remington Arms Ammunitions Plant in Lake City, Missouri where he retired.

He was an active fisherman and hunter. He enjoyed listening to classical music and taking long distance vacations with his wife. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Fernando J. Gaitan Sr. leaves to cherish his memories two sons, Judge Fernando J. Gaitan, Jr. (Sylvia), Lee’s Summit, MO; Amalio V. Gaitan (Venessa), Kansas City, KS; daughters-in-law, Jocelyn Gaitan and Jean Stephens, Kansas City, KS; sisters, Lolita Gaitan, Kansas City, KS and Natalia Adams, New York, NY; ten grandchildren, Evaristo II., Avier, Mario, Jannean, Jarrit, Athena, Eylia, Fernando III, Maria and Amanda; twelve great-grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.

Services will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2015 at the Chapel Hill-Butler Funeral Home, 701 N 94th St. KCKS. Visitation is at 11:00 am with services to follow at 12:00 pm. Interment at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, KCKS.