Ludwell Gaines Iii

LUDWELL G. GAINES III died on January 8, 2018 of natural causes at Menorah Medical Center. A 60-year resident of Kansas City, 'Lud' or 'Luddy' as he was known, was born in Fayetteville, W VA in 1931. A tall, handsome man, often sporting a bow tie, Ludwell is known for his amaranthine wit, magnetism and vested interest in family and friends. Always the gentleman, his veneration for life and laughter was felt by all he met. Ludwell attended The Lawrenceville School and then the University of Arizona where he discovered a passion for geology. Ludwell's career in the investment brokerage business dominated his lifelong success as a reputable institutional broker. As a member of the Kansas City Securities Association Ludwell founded the Education Fund that celebrates its 37th Anniversary. In the previous 36 years the Fund has awarded over 340 college scholarships totaling over $3.3 million to members of Kansas City's Marching Cobras, student-athletes selected by the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, student-athletes at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, members of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City, Community Baseball Academy of Kansas City, The HALO Foundation and students of University Academy, Cristo Rey Kansas City and Alta Vista High Schools. Ludwell leaves his adoring wife of 23 years, Valerie Karosen Gaines. Their lives together included great friends and family always with music in the background. They shared their passion for The Kansas City Chiefs and The Kansas City Royals and quiet days in the backyard. Ludwell is preceded in death by Nancy Gaines. They raised three children, Cynthia Gaines, Graham Gaines and Chilton Gaines (deceased). He treasured his four grandchildren Tweedie, Ebersole, Gaines and Charlotte, and lovingly shared with them his perspicuity on all subjects. His 19 nieces and nephews from his four cherished siblings have often been the recipients of his enduring charm, humility, wisdom and endearing sense of humor. There will be a friends and family celebration of life because "we are not here for a long time, just a good time" on January 20, 2018 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at The Peanut on Main Street. In honor of Ludwell's vision, donations can be sent to: Greater Kansas City Community Foundation FBO: KCSA00 1055 Broadway, Ste 130 Kansas City, MO 64105