In Loving Memory of Robert “Bob” Main

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Robert (Bob) Earl Main, of Gainesville, MO, on August 15, 2024, after a brief illness. Bob was born in Vernon, TX, on September 7, 1954, the son of the late Robert E. Main, and Ruth Flolene (Flo) Roper.

Bob grew up in Mills, NM, and graduated from Roy High School and attended New Mexico State University until he entered veterinary school in Kansas. He graduated from Kansas State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1981, where he also met the love of his life, Robin Deck. They were married in 1982, in Kansas City, KS, and both practiced veterinary medicine in Tulsa Oklahoma until moving to Gainesville, MO in 1985 to set up their own veterinary practice. Bob focused on large animals for the most part but was always willing to step up to help with cats and dogs when needed, primarily when Robin’s “horsing around” had resulted in a broken bone, or when she was busy having their sons.

Bob was the best of men—quick to laugh and slow to anger. In making his rounds to clients with cattle or horses, he was known for taking his time to educate and explain the clinical problem, its causes, and ways to avoid it, if possible, in the future. He would seldom give up on calving, working until the calf was out and the cow was stable. In addition to his veterinary practice, Bob was active in community activities, especially as an officer and member of the local Lions Club. Each September, he would be busy setting up for the annual Hootin’ and Hollarin’ and helping in the Lions food truck. When summer baseball season arrived, Bob was the master of the rainbow snow cones at the Lion’s Club snow cone concession, earning the nickname, “Rainbow Bob.” He was a muscle car enthusiast and cherished his 1968 Pontiac GTO.

Bob was a lifelong member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and was a member of the Extension Board. Bob was a regular blood donor, donating many gallons of blood over the years. At home, Bob specialized in repairs of small machines, cars, boats, jet skis, back-hoes, 4-wheelers, mowers, and on and on. He was a caring and attentive father, using the same teaching style with his sons as with his clients. Bob often used humor in his lessons for Ben and Nick and was an early adopter of the “don’t sweat the small stuff” style of parenting—and grandparenting. But the number one customer for Bob’s services was his wife, Robin. If she asked for help with a project, like rebuilding a horse trailer, or taking care of the animals if she was out of town, he was ready, willing, and able to serve. Bob saw no task as too big or too small if it was for Robin. He got his payback in dancing—having been thoroughly trained in C/W dancing by his sisters when he was young, Bob loved getting out on the dance floor and wearing Robin out!

Bob is survived by his wife, Robin Deck, of Gainesville, MO; his two sons: Benjamin (Shelby) Main and grandson Clark of St. Louis, MO; and Nicholas (Jess) Main and grandson Nolan of Groveland, IL. He is also survived by his mother, Flo Roper, of Raton, NM; and his siblings: Donna (Bob) Henderson, Ann (Ernest) Maestas, Jean (Lane) Crist, Jackie (Gary) Shaw, Sandra Main, Frank (Debbie) Main, Richard (Julie) Main.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 12, 2024 from 1-4 p.m. at The Center in Gainesville, MO. All those in attendance are invited to share their best “Bob” stories. Memorial contributions may be made to The Center or to the Gainesville Library and can be left at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO.