Elder Ivan Tilman Gaines Sr., lovingly know as 'T-Man' was born Oct. 26, 1946 in a little town called Lottie, Louisiana. He was a bundle of blessing to the late Tillman Gaines and the late Rev. Mo. Daisy Coleman. In his younger days he & his mother after marrying his step-father, the late Rev. Eddie F. Coleman, moved to a flourishing black community in Metairie, La. And as an active kid he attended the historic Washington Elementary School and John H. Martyn High School. This adventurous cat felt this town was getting to small and decided he wanted to see the world. So, he went on to serve in the United States Army during the Vietnam era. In his travels the ladies found him irresistible but only one caught his true attention. So he courted and then married Charlene Gaines and later would wed Constance Gaines. His time in the military changed the events of his life and marriage.Thankfully God blessed him and kept him safe so he could return home to Louisiana. He became an accomplished tailor and a great Chef, locally and offshore. In his senior years God called him to the ministry and he was ordained by Bishop Blackwell as an Elder in 2000. He was also a member of St. Joseph House Of Prayer. Between his travels and career choices he had some cute little babies. VonDiza Flix (Roderick Flix) and Edwina DeMarsh (Derek DeMarsh) with the late Pamela Vinzant. Sylvia Fort and Satasha King (Damion King) with the late Brenita Fort. Bryson Washington with the late Linda Washington. The late Ivan Tillman Gaines Jr. with Constance Gaines. Kayla Brown with Gertrude Gun and Dwayne Kemp (Rebecca Westover) with Zena Garmon.And his God daughter Michelle Hitchens. Elder Ivan Gaines Sr. is also survived by his 'tista' Evangelist Linda Wright, Rev. Willie Coleman and Bro. Kevin Coleman. His loving fianc, Mrs. Rose Collins. And a host of grandchildren, nieces and nephews along with many other loving family members. Elder Ivan Gaines joined our heavenly father at the age of 73 on Monday, May 25, 2020. He will truly be missed and be present forever in our hearts. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elder Ivan T Gaines, please visit our floral store.