Donald Gainer Jr. was born March 15, 1940, in Cleveland, Ohio to Donald Gainer Sr. (deceased) and Ruth “Smith” Gainer (deceased).  Donald was the second of six children, Jeanette Shy, Pauline Moore, and Arthur Gainer (who preceded him in death), and Larry Gainer and Charles Gainer.

Donald was educated in Cleveland, Ohio.  He graduated from East Technical High School and was a member of the Science Club and the Alpha Centurions.

Donald worked for Singer Manufacturing Co. as a sewing machine repairman for several years. He then was employed as a linesman and crew chief for the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Co.  He retired after 30 years of service.  After he retired, Donald would often travel to other States with major power outages to help restore their power.

Donald accepted Jesus Christ at an early age while attending Second New Hope Baptist Church.  In his early years, Donald sang and toured with Christian groups The Swanee Nightingales and The Gospel Chosen Few.  He rededicated his life to Jesus Christ later in his adult life.  Donald faithfully attended and served at Affinity Missionary Baptist Church. He loved to worship the Lord and sang with The Affinity Mass Choir as well as The Men in Black. Donald received a certificate after completing the Affinity Baptist Church four-year Bible study program. He was also a member of the Men of Joy Bible Fellowship Group.

Donald Married his first wife Donna Jean “Hanson” Hughes in 1962. From this union were three children, Edward Gainer (Gloria Gainer), Monique Toppin (Russell J. Toppin Jr.) and Donald Gainer III. Later in life, Donald reconnected with his high school sweetheart Diane Roberts, and they wed in 1991. From this union he was blessed with three step daughters, Dawn and Danita Rucker, and Deanna Hamilton (Derek)

Donald loved spending time with his family and friends. Whenever anyone needed a helping hand he was always there. He also loved to garden, watch cowboy movies and the soaps. But more than anything he loved to study the Word of God.  He would arise daily at 4 am to spend time with the Lord and study the Bible.

Donald went home to be with the Lord Jesus June 26, 2023. Mourning his passing are his wife Diane, children Ed, Monique and Don, stepdaughters Dawn and Danita Rucker and Deanna Hamilton, eleven grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, brothers, nieces, nephews and a host of other family and friends.