A.W. Gaines, 100, of Vero Beach, FL died Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at the VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach..

Mr. Gaines was born November 10, 1909 in Logan, Iowa and moved to Vero Beach two weeks ago from West Des Moines, IA.

After 36 years with N.W. Bell Telephone in Council Bluffs, Humboldt, Sioux City and Des Moines, he retired as the Iowa safety supervisor. He was the originator of a different and widely accepted approach to accident-free driving called the Buffer Zone. AW and his 1909 Buick were featured in a PBS film named Take Des Moines, Please which received a national Emmy award in 1973. For several years he was the lobbyist for the car collector clubs in Iowa.

He was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity, Gnemeth Masonic Lodge AF&AM and the Des Moines Consistory and several antique car clubs over the years.

Survivors include his daughter, Mary Zier of Eugene, Oregon, and a son, Stephen of Vero Beach, six grandchildren and a great grandchild.

Mr. Gaines was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Marie in 2002.

Services: A memorial service will be held in Des Moines, Iowa at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to VNA Hospice Foundation, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960.

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From: Debby Bennett Reinking Relationship: Old Neighbor Dear Steve and Mary, we were so saddened to hear of your father's passing. He was always a good friend of my parents, Bob & Margie Bennett, and my husband Steve and I used to stop over to visit with him when we were in town. The last time we saw him was in September of 2003 when my Dad passed away and we went over to chat with Al. He was as sharp and friendly as ever, truly a gentleman we always admired. We remember Marie fondly also. Please accept our heartfelt condolences on your loss. Sent on July 30, 2010 From: Vickie Ashwill Relationship: old neighbor Mary and Steve, I am sorry for your loss. Your dad was quite a guy and had quite the stories to share. I hadn't been to see him for a while, but drove by his house on Wednesday but it was tight as a drum. I am glad he was with family when he passed. Please let me know when the service will be in Des Moines. Vickie Ashwill Sent on August 1, 2010