Fernando J. Gaitan, Sr. 92, passed away Monday, May 11, 2015. He was born in Kansas City, Kan., on Aug. 13, 1922, the fourth child of 12, 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, Kan., in 1992. He later worked at Armour Packing House in Kansas City, Kan., and also was employed at the Remington Arms Ammunitions Plant in Lake City, Mo., 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 memory two sons, Judge Fernando J. Gaitan, Jr. (Sylvia), Lee's Summit, Mo., Amalio V. Gaitan (Venessa), Kansas City, Kan.; daughters-in-law, Jocelyn Gaitan and Jean Stephens, Kansas City, Kan.; sisters, Lolita Gaitan, Kansas City, Kan., and Natalia Adams, New York, NY; 10 grandchildren, Evaristo II., Avier, Mario, Jannean, Jarrit, Athena, Eylia, Fernando III, Maria and Amanda; 12 great-grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends. Visitation at 11 a.m. with service to follow at 12 p.m. Thursday, May 21, at Chapel Hill-Butler Funeral Home, 701 N. 94th St. KCK. Interment at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, KCK. Chapel Hill-Butler Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens. Dignity Memorial.

Published in Kansas City Star on May 17, 2015