Gordon Gaines, husband of Oakdale Family Church of the Nazarene Children’s Pastor Marilyn Gaines, was killed 27 September when a pickup truck lost control and struck him in the church parking lot.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the driver of the pickup truck was attempting a U-turn in the parking lot of the church when she accelerated and crashed into a metal support pole, then Gaines, who was standing on the walkway. The truck then crashed through the wall of the church. Gaines died at the scene. 

The driver of the truck was taken to the hospital for evaluation but was released shortly after. The California Highway Patrol does not believe a mechanical failure played a role. 

The accident occurred at 10:15 a.m., shortly after the church had concluded its outdoor morning service.

“He was a faithful man of God, and we are grateful for the hope that we can all have because of the resurrection of Christ,” the church said in a Facebook post Sunday evening.

Marilyn has served at Oakdale Family Church of the Nazarene since 2003. 

“Please pray for our children's pastor, Marilyn Gaines, and her family, as this was very unexpected, and for all who were involved,” the post continued. “We know that in these situations God is with us, He is our firm foundation, He is our rock, our comforter and our sustainer.”

Gordon is survived by his wife, Marilyn Gaines, son, Timothy Gaines, and daughter, Renee Gaines, grandson, Callen, and granddaughter, Evalynne.