John Eldon Main, 75, of New Athens, IL, born August 25, 1939 in Barry, IL, passed away at 10:55 a.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, IL after a long ,courageous battle with liver cancer.
John served two years in the U.S. Army where he pitched for the 4th Armored Division Team in Germany. Upon returning home he was scouted by and went to spring training for the Los Angeles Dodgers. John hurt his arm while pitching in Germany and after 3 weeks at spring training he decided to return home. He was very proud of being inducted into the New Athens High School Hall of Fame for his pitching and basketball ability. John pitched several no-hitters while in high school. In his life time John was a barber, an insurance salesman, an underground coal miner and then went back to barbering from which he retired in 2005. John was an excellent gardener and enjoyed sharing his harvest with everyone. He enjoyed playing pool and being with family and friends. John was always there to lend a helping hand and will be missed by all who loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents – John H. and Velma, nee Coates, Main. His father and mother-in-law – Wilbur and Alice Nuernberger. A brother – Louis Main. A sister Nancy Darlene in infancy. A brother-in-law – Pete Schwebel and a nephew – John Nuernberger.
Surviving to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 54 years – Juliana, nee Nuernberger, Main who he married on October 29, 1960 at St. John United Church of Christ in New Athens, IL. His children – April (Dr. James) Wade; Bradley S. Main; Edward (Katie) Main. His grandchildren – Alec Wade; Jeremy Wade; Victoria Main; Olivia Main; Vanessa Main; Emma Rose Main. Also surviving are his two sisters – Betty Schwebel; Mary Ellen (Burke) Potter. Three brothers – Vic (Lee Ann) Main; Robert (Charlotte) Main; Russell (Sherry) Main. A sister-in-law – Elaine Main. Two brothers-in-law – Dan (Mary Jo) Nuernberger and Vic Nuernberger. A special niece – Kim (Brad) Towers and many other nieces and nephews along with many dear friends.
“When tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand that an angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand and said my place was ready in heaven far above, and that I’d have to leave behind all those I dearly love. For those left behind, do not mourn. For my journey has ended and my tools have been cleaned and put to rest. For those I left behind, You can see me when the geese gather together to fly south. When Mother Earth prepares for a long winters nap with the first frost I will be there, when you look for the Red Tail and the eagles that come down from the North for the winter. I will be there, in the sun-rise and sunset. In the first flowers of spring and the songs of the birds.”
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois, New Athens Ambulance Service, St. John United Church of Christ.
Visitation: Friends may call at St. John’s United Church of Christ in New Athens, IL on Friday, January 30, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday, January 31, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m..
Funeral: Memorials services will be held at St. John’s United Church of Christ in New Athens, IL on Saturday, January 31, 2015 at 10:30 a.m..
Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL is in charge of arrangements.
My sincere sympathy to Julie, & all her children. Also to Dan Mary Jo, & Vic. I wish I could be there, but I don’t drive by myself anymore. All of you are in my prayers & thoughts.
Posted by: Angela (Honey) Holtgrave – Breese, IL – Friend Jan 30, 2015
ReplyR I P MY FRIEND. MANY SPORTS MEMORIES&HAIRCUTS HACK, MT VERNON,ILL.
Posted by: jeff hacker – freeburg, IL – friend Jan 30, 2015
ReplyEddie, Kathleen, Vic, and all the family,
I hope you all know that there are a lot of people out here in Colorado praying for John and the whole family even know we have only met Eddie, Vic, and Kathleen. They are all such great people we know that the same must be said for all of you.
Please know that there is no more pain and suffering For John and that we will all be reunited someday.
Love all of you,
Doug and Audrey Meyers
Posted by: Doug Meyers – Glenwood Springs, CO – Friend of the family Jan 30, 2015
ReplyEd, I only met your dad a few times, but he was such a nice guy and he helped make YOU- one of the most awesome people I know- so he must’ve been amazing. Know that he is watching over you and your mom and Katie and Emma and I’m sure he is so proud that he’s sending fireworks from heaven. You’ll see them if you keep an eye out 🙂
Love you guys to the moon- Jess
Posted by: Jess Jan 30, 2015
ReplyOur thoughts and prayers are sent to all of you. Love you all and miss you dearly
Posted by: David and Linda Silvey – Canal Fulton, OH – friend Jan 30, 2015
ReplyThe Main family has treated me like their family and this is a tremendous loss for all of us. To the family I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity be a part of his life.
Posted by: Douglas Frech – New Athens, IL – Family Friend Jan 29, 2015
ReplySo very sorry for your loss! John will be remembered for his BIG heart like all those Main boys.Heaven got a good one ! RIPJohn Main
Posted by: Tina Harper – New Athens, IL – Friend Jan 28, 2015
ReplyDear Family,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one. Our thoughts are with you during this difficut time.
Posted by: John (Jake) and June Behnken – Sharpsburg, GA Jan 27, 2015
ReplyOur prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time. We want to express our sympathy and let you know our thoughts are with you.
Sincerely,
Jim and Joan Burk
Posted by: Jim & Joan Burk – New Athens, IL – Friends Jan 27, 2015
ReplyI will always have the memories of the Main Family gatherings, every weekend across the alley. So many people and so much love.
John and I had many conversations at the Yellow Rose. John was sure proud of his kids and his brothers. He loved family.
My heart felt sympathy to all who loved him.
Posted by: Lisa (Ritter) Phelps – Lenzburg, IL – Family Friend Jan 27, 2015
ReplyOur family will always treasure the times we spent with yours. Growing up with April, Brad and Ed will never be forgotten. My mother shares a birthday with John and my brother with Brad. I remember celebrating birthdays, watching super bowl’s swimming, shooting off fireworks on the 4th of July and lots of barbecue . There are too many to list. …I will treasure those times with John Main and thankful he is at peace and know in my heart I will see him again.
Posted by: lori meyer parks – Belleville, IL – Friend Jan 27, 2015
ReplyI was just thinking back on all the memories and remembering the great basketball games he was an important part of. I was so very sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you are in my prayers and the prayers of all us who knew you.
Posted by: Dixie Lee (Warren) Matthews – Rowlett, TX – New Athens High School Friend Jan 26, 2015
ReplyI use to get my hair cut by him I was in 8th grade and I was getting my hair cut and he and I were joking around that I would play him one on one in basketball but then when he seen my name in the box score he said no way that he would play me
Posted by: donnie emge – eills grove, IL – friend Jan 26, 2015
ReplySo sorry to hear of your loss, sweet friend… both you and Johnny enriched my High School years more that I can tell you… I’m grateful for the years you had together, but no matter how many, it never seems to be enough… I pray that you are comforted by the knowledge that Johnny has just gone ahead and somewhere, in God’s house, he’s just ‘waiting on his woman’… hugs to you all.
Posted by: Judy Scace Hendricks – Durango, CO – Friend Jan 26, 2015
ReplyThinking of you, Julie and your family. John was a great guy, and I have many memories of him during High School. You are in our prayers. Hugs.
Posted by: Julia Ballard Crumley – San Angelo, TX – Classmate Jan 26, 2015
ReplyThis site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Thinking of you, Julie and your family. John was a great guy, and I have many memories of him during High School. You are in our prayers. Hugs.
Posted by: Julia Ballard Crumley – San Angelo, TX – Classmate Jan 26, 2015
So sorry to hear of your loss, sweet friend… both you and Johnny enriched my High School years more that I can tell you… I’m grateful for the years you had together, but no matter how many, it never seems to be enough… I pray that you are comforted by the knowledge that Johnny has just gone ahead and somewhere, in God’s house, he’s just ‘waiting on his woman’… hugs to you all.
Posted by: Judy Scace Hendricks – Durango, CO – Friend Jan 26, 2015
I use to get my hair cut by him I was in 8th grade and I was getting my hair cut and he and I were joking around that I would play him one on one in basketball but then when he seen my name in the box score he said no way that he would play me
Posted by: donnie emge – eills grove, IL – friend Jan 26, 2015
I was just thinking back on all the memories and remembering the great basketball games he was an important part of. I was so very sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you are in my prayers and the prayers of all us who knew you.
Posted by: Dixie Lee (Warren) Matthews – Rowlett, TX – New Athens High School Friend Jan 26, 2015
Our family will always treasure the times we spent with yours. Growing up with April, Brad and Ed will never be forgotten. My mother shares a birthday with John and my brother with Brad. I remember celebrating birthdays, watching super bowl’s swimming, shooting off fireworks on the 4th of July and lots of barbecue . There are too many to list. …I will treasure those times with John Main and thankful he is at peace and know in my heart I will see him again.
Posted by: lori meyer parks – Belleville, IL – Friend Jan 27, 2015
I will always have the memories of the Main Family gatherings, every weekend across the alley. So many people and so much love.
John and I had many conversations at the Yellow Rose. John was sure proud of his kids and his brothers. He loved family.
My heart felt sympathy to all who loved him.
Posted by: Lisa (Ritter) Phelps – Lenzburg, IL – Family Friend Jan 27, 2015
Our prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time. We want to express our sympathy and let you know our thoughts are with you.
Sincerely,
Jim and Joan Burk
Posted by: Jim & Joan Burk – New Athens, IL – Friends Jan 27, 2015
Dear Family,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one. Our thoughts are with you during this difficut time.
Posted by: John (Jake) and June Behnken – Sharpsburg, GA Jan 27, 2015
So very sorry for your loss! John will be remembered for his BIG heart like all those Main boys.Heaven got a good one ! RIPJohn Main
Posted by: Tina Harper – New Athens, IL – Friend Jan 28, 2015
The Main family has treated me like their family and this is a tremendous loss for all of us. To the family I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity be a part of his life.
Posted by: Douglas Frech – New Athens, IL – Family Friend Jan 29, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are sent to all of you. Love you all and miss you dearly
Posted by: David and Linda Silvey – Canal Fulton, OH – friend Jan 30, 2015
Ed, I only met your dad a few times, but he was such a nice guy and he helped make YOU- one of the most awesome people I know- so he must’ve been amazing. Know that he is watching over you and your mom and Katie and Emma and I’m sure he is so proud that he’s sending fireworks from heaven. You’ll see them if you keep an eye out 🙂
Love you guys to the moon- Jess
Posted by: Jess Jan 30, 2015
Eddie, Kathleen, Vic, and all the family,
I hope you all know that there are a lot of people out here in Colorado praying for John and the whole family even know we have only met Eddie, Vic, and Kathleen. They are all such great people we know that the same must be said for all of you.
Please know that there is no more pain and suffering For John and that we will all be reunited someday.
Love all of you,
Doug and Audrey Meyers
Posted by: Doug Meyers – Glenwood Springs, CO – Friend of the family Jan 30, 2015
R I P MY FRIEND. MANY SPORTS MEMORIES&HAIRCUTS HACK, MT VERNON,ILL.
Posted by: jeff hacker – freeburg, IL – friend Jan 30, 2015
My sincere sympathy to Julie, & all her children. Also to Dan Mary Jo, & Vic. I wish I could be there, but I don’t drive by myself anymore. All of you are in my prayers & thoughts.
Posted by: Angela (Honey) Holtgrave – Breese, IL – Friend Jan 30, 2015