Gary L. Mains

Gary L. Mains entered the world on November 17, 1937, the eldest child of J.W. (Weldon) and Dorothy Mains.
He started his working days at an early age of 11, carrying bricks and mixing mortar doing home repair with his father. During sheep shearing season they would shear in southwest Iowa, Georgia, Alabama, and the Dakotas. As a teenager he would hunt to help put food on the table.
In 1960 he was drafted by the Army and was honorably discharged in 1962. Then he started working for Cunningham & Reis Bridge Construction; followed by United Contactors as a carpenter and crane operator. Later he was an underground cable locator for Huxley Communications. Whatever he did, he always did his best.
On November 26, 1960, Gary married Helen Brand at the Methodist Church in Gravity, Iowa.
Gary started trapshooting and taught Helen how to shoot. They enjoyed going to the gun clubs and shot in Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, Illinois and Arizona.
They enjoyed doing many things together after retiring and moving to Missouri. He had a large garden. He was always helping others. Sometimes giving advice (wanted or not) on any subject.
Gary left this world with his wife by his side peacefully at the Westview Care Center in Leon, Iowa on September 25, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers Jerry, Gail, Gene, James, and Grover; three brothers-in-law Ray Alcorn, J.L. Andrus, and Jack Giley.
He is survived by his wife Helen Mains of Eagleville, MO; siblings Glenna Alcorn of Milliken, CO, Judy Andrus of Republic, MO, Joyce Giley of Conway, IA, Jay (April) Mains of Sharpsburg, IA, Jan (Kelly McDaniel) Davidson of Afton, IA; sisters-in-law Connie Mains of Sharpsburg, IA, Imogene Mains of Creston, IA, and Mary Mains of Clearfield, IA; nieces, nephews, and friends.
Gary’s wishes were to be cremated and no services are planned at this time.
Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr assisted the family with cremation service.