Grover Mains
Grover Mains
Grover Weldon Mains, son of Jacob Weldon and Dorothy Inas (Safley) Mains, was born June 26, 1950 in Iowa City, Iowa. Grover grew up in Taylor County and graduated from Lenox High School in 1968. His dad rightfully nicknamed him “Mischievous Mike” because he was so ornery. Grover entered and served in the US Army on February 11, 1970. He was honorably discharged on January 23, 1972. On November 18, 1972, Grover was united in marriage to Mary Jo Wood and to this union, 4 children were born: Nikki Jo, Kisha Lee, Jared Weldon, and Jessi Rae.
Grover was a drilling operator for Longfellow Drilling for over 27 years. His family always knew when he was coming home on Friday night because you would hear his Ford truck coming down the road. Grover was very proud of his kids and grandkids. He loved to tuck in his children in bed by lifting their feet so that their blankets were tucked under them. He was known to try to hand out money to his grandkids and would be upset if they would not take it. Grover’s kids gave him the nickname Groovy and called him that often.
Grover was known for his gardening and loved to be outside. He was always driving around Clearfield in his Ranger, visiting with everyone. Grover enjoyed food eating contests at the supper table and he was always trying to get his kids friends to sit down and eat; always welcoming them into their home. Sunday was always family day and popcorn and pop was their supper menu. Grover enjoyed sitting outside on his ice cream chair, looking out at his pond. One thing that was not allowed during supper was the answering of the telephone! After retiring, Grover and Mary traveled with their kids and took their own road trips.
Grover’s family always knew when dad was done with a conversation as he would throw up his hands and say, “Whatever.” As Grove would always say “It is what it is”
Grover passed away February 1, 2018. He was preceded in death by his parents; 4 brothers Gail, Gene, Jerry, and James Mains; and one nephew, Scott Mains.
Those who will forever cherish his memory include his wife Mary Mains of Clearfield, IA; children Nikki (David) Leonard of Winterset, IA, Kisha (Darren) Martin of Mount Ayr, IA, Jared (Trisha) Mains of Clearfield, IA, and Jessi (Chris) Grose of Mount Ayr, IA; six grandchildren Kyler Darren Martin, Ryann Elizabeth Martin, Isaac Christopher Grose, Jace Dylan Grose, Ella Jo Leonard, and Ava Jane Leonard; siblings Gary (Helen) Mains, Glenna (Ray) Alcorn, Judy (JL) Andrus, Joyce (Jack) Giley, Jay (April) Mains, and Jan Davidson (special friend Kelly McDaniel); numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Memorials established in his name to be decided later.
Armstrong Funeral Home of Clearfield and Mount Ayr is in charge of the arrangements.