Earl Johnson Mainer, 84, son of J.E. and Sadie (MacDaniels) Mainer, was born Oct. 19, 1925, in Concord, N.C. He passed away Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009, at Texas County Memorial Hospital, Houston, Mo.
Earl was preceded in death by his parents and one sister.
Earl grew up in the Concord area and enlisted in the United States Army in January of 1944. He toured in England; France; Germany; Austria; Korea; Okinawa; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Fort Jan, New York; Fort Hancock, New Jersey; Camp Gordon, Georgia; Fort Rucker, Alabama; Camp Blading, Florida; and Fort Leonard Wood. He retired June 8 1965, as a Sqt. 1st Class E-6. Later, he worked for the Civil Service from 1965 to 1983 for a total of more than 37 years of civil service. Earl’s main occupation was as a mechanic.
Earl married Margie Ruth Blackwell on July 15, 1952.
Earl was a member of Central Baptist Church of Houston, Mo. He received Christ on Father’s Day in June 2000 in his daughter’s van at the age of 74. Earl was a devout Christian and from that day forward he enjoyed reading his Bible every morning.
Earl’s hobbies included shooting trap and playing pool as well as hunting, fishing and most importantly, spending time with his family. Earl was so good at pool he was banned from some places and labeled a professional pool shark. Earl took pride in everything he did and was exceptionally good at all of his hobbies, especially loving and spending time with his family.
Earl is survived by his wife of 57 years, Margie; five sons, Robert, Keith, Joe, Tom and Larry Mainer; one daughter, Earlene Custis; 13 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren plus two on the way; three brothers; one sister; and several nieces and nephews.
Words can not describe this great man. He was a saint. Family was the center of his life. God was his foundation. This is not goodbye, but rather “until we meet again.” We love you.
Services were 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, in the Evans Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Ed Hamilton officiating. Private family burial with full military honors was in the Pine Lawn Cemetery. Pallbearers were Robert Mainer, Keith Mainer, Devin Stoops, Bobby Custis, Eddie R E Smith, Carl Huff, Mike Longwell and Scott McKinney. Honorary pallbearers were Joe Mainer, Tom Mainer and Larry Mainer.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Central Baptist Church. Online condolences may be sent to www.evansfh.com.