Donald Gene Cains

Donald Gene Cains, age 83, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, departed this earthly life peacefully on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 while in hospice. Don was born February 10, 1942, to Eugene W. Cains and Mary Jane (Alter) Cains, the oldest of four children: brother, John (Kay) Cains, sister, Kathy (Joe) Haines, and sister, Gerri (Gary) Lewellen.

Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Don graduated from Central Catholic High School and then served in the United States Navy from 1959 to 1961 as an E3. After taking many college courses and working many jobs, he applied to the Fort Wayne Police Department in 1968 and was accepted into the Police Academy. He graduated from the Fort Wayne Police Academy on December 27, 1968. He proceeded to serve in various divisions including: Patrolman; Motorcycle; Hit & Run Investigator; Juvenile Detective; Theft Section Detective; and Homicide Detective.

During this time, also he served in the Air National Guard from 1980 to 1986 as a Staff Sargent. Don retired from the police department in August of 1989 after serving for twenty-one years. He took a position with Animal Care & Control as the Enforcement Division Supervisor where he served the community for sixteen years before finally retiring in 2005.

Don was a big hockey fan. For more than thirty-two years, he worked for the Fort Wayne Komets as an Off-Ice Official. He enjoyed many years of camping with family and friends. Don and Ann were able to start a new chapter of their lives in 2006 when they moved to Sebring, Florida. Don was proud to be the Past Master of the Masonic Lodge #249 of Sebring, Florida and a Member of the Shriner’s Egypt Chapter of Avon Park, Florida. He was very committed to serving his community his whole life.

Don was able to spend many wonderful years in Florida until Ann’s passing in 2016. He then found it necessary to move back to Fort Wayne to be closer to family. After many years of health struggles and paying glory and homage to his Lord and Master, Don is finally at peace and reunited with his loving wife, Ann.

Don is survived by his two children, six grandchildren and one great grandchild: daughter, Michelle (Bill) Baker, grandchildren Rachel and Nick. Son, Bill (Joey) Cains, grandchildren, Zakkary, Hayden, Seth, Quincy and great grandson Kayn Cains.

Preceding him in death were his loving wife of fifty-two years, Ann Elizabeth (Kettering) Cains; his parents, Eugene and Mary; sister, Gerri; and brother, John.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 1:00 pm at East Allen County Church of Christ, 3800 Minnich Road, New Haven, Indiana 46774. The family welcomes all who would like to come and share their memories of Don.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the East Allen County Church of Christ Mission Fund.

Neptune Society has been entrusted with cremation arrangements.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at: https://neptunesociety.com/obituaries/indianapolis-in/donald-cains-12344972