Bryan W. McMains

Bryan W. McMains died June 15, 2007 in Lodi, California. Born February 17, 1916 in Fort Scott, Kansas Mr. McMains was 91 years old. He was the son of Bryan W. McMains and Ida Jennie [Vail]. In 1936 he married Francis Joann Bolton. They were married for 66 years, Mrs. McMains died in 2003. As a young man Bryan joined the Civilian Conservation Corps to help support his family of two brothers, a grandmother and a blind father. After his marriage McMains worked in the pea harvest in Oregon, later became a tire vulcanizer at ATA Tire Service in Stockton. He held several other jobs during the depression years. In 1946 he went to work for Blind Industries Sales in California eventually becoming the General manager in San Francisco. In 1960 he left Blind Industries for a position with Neal Moving and Storage, in 1967 he took a job with the US Postal Service and was injured on the job in 1976. Due to his permanent back injury he was retired from the Post Office on full disability and left the Bay Area for San Diego County. Mr. McMains served as President of several community organizations including the Civilian Conservation Corps Alumni Chapter 110 in San Diego County, CA. He moved to Lodi in 2004 to live with his Great Niece Alyssa Oliver and her family.

Mr. McMains grew up in Fort Scott, Kansas and was devoted to the history of his home state. His mother died suddenly when he was 9 years old. He and his two brothers were raised by their blind father and elderly grandmother. He held many part time jobs during his teen age years. He was an avid reader and lover of American history. Before settling into retirement he and his wife visited the 48 states in their well equipped RV. For almost two years they visited America and made friends wherever they went. At the end of their travels they settled in San Diego County living in both El Cajon and San Marcos. The McMains had no children of their own but were a rich presence in the lives of the children of family and friends. His greatest pleasure was to be called Uncle Bryan by those who knew him.

Mr. McMains is survived by his brother Allen Richard McMains, sister-in-law Arlene, nieces and nephews, Kathleen and William Mero, Eileen and John High, great nieces and nephews Alyssa and Randal Oliver, Ronald Mero, Bryan and Sarah Mero, Nicole and Brandon Beach. He was devoted to a large number of Great-Great nieces and nephews, Lauren, Elizabeth and Samantha Oliver, Shea, Dennis, Anna and Ava Stimac, Lindsey Mero, Marcus, Justin and Breanna Mero, as well as extended family of friends Carol and Terry Zanella, Evelyn Jensen of San Diego and oldest friend Harry Daum of Fort Scott, KS.

Friends and family celebrated the life of Bryan W. McMains Friday June 22, 2007 at 1pm at Bethel Open Bible Church, 760 S. Ham, Lodi, CA. A reception followed at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Neal Colwell.