Gains Oliver "Deacon Sandy" Hall, passed away peacefully at home on November 29, 2014, surrounded by his loving family.
Gains was born on January 27, 1926 and raised on a farm in Lockesburg, AR.
Gains was the youngest male of 24 children and was preceded in death by his father, Joseph and mother, Daisy.
Gains is survived by Della, his loving wife of 64 years, daughters, Linda (Rosemary), Joanne and Bernadette (Paul), grandchildren, Crystal, Steve (Becca), Christopher, Rachel (Steven) and Kelsey.
Their home was always open to any in need and over the years many lived under their roof. Love of family, God, the outdoors and gardening were the focus of his life. Gains sowed love, compassion and joy to all who knew him.
Rodeo calf roping and bronco riding were pastimes during his younger years. Gains joined the military at an early age and changed his parent's lives by providing half of his salary to them.
Gains served his country proudly for over 30 years and saw active duty in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, and was decorated with a World War II Victory medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign medal, and a Bronze Star.
Gains was an avid hunter who with his wife, Della would hunt on horseback in the Ponderosa and Jemez mountains, joined by dear friend, Manuel Montoya or son-in-law, Paul.
Gains proudly served as a Deacon for 36 years at Our Lady of the Assumption, Our Lady of Fatima and St. Theresa parishes.
Gains worked closely with Father Hammer in all phases of building Our Lady of the Assumption Church as it stands today. Gains contributed to the building of Father Flanagan's Belén sector of the Society of our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity. For 10 years he was the manager of Mount Calvary Cemetery. A family man, Deacon, soldier, and friend who throughout his life demonstrated love through service will be greatly missed by all who know him. Well done good and faithful servant.
Services will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Albuquerque, NM with Rosary on Friday, December 5, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. and Mass on Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. reception to follow, details will be forthcoming. Interment will be on Monday, December 8, 2014 at 11:15 a.m. at Santa Fé National Cemetery, Santa Fé, NM with military honors.
Donations in his name can be made to Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church.