Gerald Avon Rainsbarger

Gerald “Red” Rainsbarger passed away peacefully on February 19, 2022 in Perry.

Red was born Nov. 5, 1929 in Ottumwa, Iowa to Samuel and Alice Rainsbarger. A brother, Gaylord Allen, was born two years later. As a child, Red had a paper route and spent many hours at the YMCA. He excelled at swimming and began a lifelong love of baseball. The St. Louis Cardinals were his favorite team. He graduated from high school in 1947 and left Iowa the next day. Red served in the Air Force from 1947 to 1951. While stationed at Vance Air Force base in Enid he fell in love with Helen Vassar. They were married on December 27, 1951. He then became father to Helen’s four young children which he raised as his own. In 1955, they were blessed with a baby boy.

In 1960, Red moved his wife and son to California in search of a better career. He found it at the Riverside Fire Department. He loved being a fireman and quickly rose through the ranks to the position of Battalion Chief. He retired in 1982. Red and Helen moved to Perry to be closer to family. They traveled and enjoyed retirement until Helen’s death in 2004.
Later, Red met and fell in love with Laura Kemnitz. They spent many happy years together until his health failed. Special thanks to the Perry Fire Department for their help.

Red is predeceased by his parents, brother, wife and daughter Genene Bunch and son Bill Vassar.
Surviving relatives are daughters Minnie and Linda, son Gary, and many grandchildren.

Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 22, 2022, at Dighton-Marler Funeral Home Chapel, Perry. Martin Foster will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of Dighton-Marler Funeral Home, Perry.
Condolences may be sent to the family via an online guestbook at www.dightonmarler.com.