Harold E. Main

Harold E. Main, born at home in Elk City, KS, September 13, 1921, passed peacefully from this earth in Topeka, KS, September 30, 2011. Harold is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Margaret Maxine (Weldy) Main, of the home.

Harold is also survived by his children, James Main, Prairie Village, KS, Betty Ann Robinson, Minneapolis, MN and Theresa Blakesley, Kansas City, MO. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Ann Burns, Independence, KS.

The youngest of seven children, Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Lucy A. and John N. Main, of Elk City, KS; brothers John, Oren, Milton, and Joseph (Joe) Main, of Independence, KS; sister Vermillia (Millie) B. Reinbolt, Wichita, KS and nephew Darold Main of Topeka, KS.

Harold grew up on his parent's self-sustaining 80-acre farm and cattle operation in the sand hills of southeastern Kansas. Harold's mother instilled in him the importance of education and envisioned with him as a young child that he would live to see the turn of the 21st century. He studied and played the piano, loved books and supported literacy efforts throughout his life.

As a youngster Harold hardly ventured more than a few miles from the "home place," except for the rare occasions when he accompanied his father by train to The Livestock Exchange in Kansas City to sell cattle and hogs at market.

Upon graduation from Elk City High School, he attended Pittsburg Teacher's College in Pittsburg, KS. In 1941 Harold became a grade school teacher for the District #82 School Board in Elk City, KS, a position he held for two years prior to his entry into military service.

Military service took Harold on an around the world journey. He served as a classification specialist and interviewer in the United States, India and on Tinien Island, where he was a member of the 676th Bombardment Squadron, home base of the historic Enola Gay flight team. During his service years Harold received a Distinguished Unit Citation, an American Service Medal, an Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, a World War II Victory Medal and a Good Conduct Medal. He also earned a cryptographer classification. He was honorably discharged in November 1945.

As a civilian, Harold worked in several civil service capacities, including service with the Veteran's Administration and the Federal census bureau. He eventually found his way to the Social Security Administration in Topeka, where he served as a claims representative for a number of years until he retired.

Upon retirement, Harold and Maxine enjoyed years of winters in Florida and Texas. A lifelong patriot and scholar, he and his wife enjoyed numerous driving trips to historic and scenic destinations throughout the United States. In later years, the couple's travel memories were relived again and again, as an especially happy time enjoyed together.

Harold is also survived by five grandchildren: Jeff McClasky (Carla) of Gladstone, MO, Stephanie Rousseau of Columbia, MO, and Dustin, Tyler and Jamie Robinson of Topeka, KS. He is also survived by nine great grandchildren.

A memorial service is scheduled for Monday, October 3 at 1:00 p.m. at the Mount Hope Mausoleum. Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is assisting with arrangements. The family suggests memorial contributions to Project Literacy or Let's Help, Inc.

Ever the teacher, even your passing changes us for the better, Dad.

You are and always will be profoundly missed.