Wesley Eugene Gaynor

Wesley “Buddy” Eugene Gaynor, 64, of Hillsboro, passed away at his home on April 1, 2026. Born December 28, 1961, to John Wesley Gaynor and Clara (née McGraw) Hahn, Buddy grew up in Maplewood and spent his life throughout St. Louis County, St. Louis City, and Jefferson County. A union roofer by trade, he also moonlighted as a mechanic, poker player, storyteller, volunteer food critic, and devoted potato salad connoisseur. Buddy could often be found recounting stories to gather laughs—especially tales of the “Gaynor Curse,” his running joke about the undeniable charm of Gaynor men, a reputation he carried with pride. His greatest joy in life was his children and being “PawPaw” to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Whether by blood or by bond, he loved his family fiercely and without condition. He lived loudly, loved deeply, and never met a stranger for long. Buddy believed family wasn’t defined by blood alone, and he loved many friends as his own. Known for his larger than life personality, he had an unmistakable presence and an even bigger heart. He was the kind of man who loved hard, forgave often, showed up when it mattered, and made people feel like they belonged. To Buddy, family wasn’t about technicalities—if he loved you, you were his kin, and he made sure you knew it. He is survived by a large and loving family, including his siblings: Marie (Mike) Martinez, Patricia Smith, and John (Sandy) Gaynor; his children: Jessica (Jeff Stinson) Gaynor, Matt Gaynor, and John Gaynor; and his beloved grandchildren: Evan (Britney) Schepker, Jacinda Medina, Destiny, Baylee, Lucas, Katie, Matthew "MJ" Gaynor, Matthew Ortega Jr., Naveah Owens, Cameron Shepherd. Great grandchildren, Dean and Aurora Schepker. He was preceded in death by his father and mother; his stepmother, Billie (née Evans) Gaynor; his sister, Venetta (née Hahn) Watts; his brother in law, Todd Smith; and his son, Michael Gaynor. Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Chapel Hill Mortuary, 6300 State Route 30, Cedar Hill, Missouri. Funeral services and burial will take place at the same location on Thursday, April 23, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Shari Willard and her husband, Tom, for the care, friendship, and support they provided during Buddy’s final years. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mission 22 in Buddy’s memory, honoring his appreciation for those who serve and sacrifice.

Wesley Eugene Gaynor

December 28, 1961 - April 1, 2026