Marion R Main's Obituary
Marion Russel Main, age 91 of Moravia, passed away on January 31, 2026 at Oakwood Specialty Care in Albia, Iowa.
Marion was born on October 31, 1934 in Appanoose County, Iowa to Lyman Ellingson and Mabel May (Plants) Main. He graduated from Centerville High School with the Class of 1952. On March 15, 1953 Marion married the love of his life, Bonnie Ruth Fenton, and to this union came six children: Michael, Patrick, Benny Joe, Sherry, Larry, and Sally. Together they celebrated 68 years of marriage, before her passing on July 15, 2021.
Throughout his career, Marion worked for Thor Power Tools in Aurora, Illinois for thirteen years before moving to work for John Deere in Ottumwa, Iowa as a Machinist and later moved into Tool & Die before retiring after 26 years of service. He was also a private airplane pilot and taught scuba diving lessons at times.
Flying airplanes were one of Marion's many hobbies, he also enjoyed building them and working on them. He liked working with iron and tinkering on any piece of machinery he could. Marion loved horses and dogs, even raising a few different breeds throughout life.
Marion is survived by his children, Patrick (Linda) Main, Sherry Alvord, Larry (Cheryl) Main, and Sally Cassat; grandchildren, Carol (Will) Russ, Brian (Jennifer) Main, Kevin (Melanie) Main, Mitch (Jeannie) Main, Nick (Heather) Main, Mandy Main, Jared Wells, Cody (Ashlee) Wells, Tyler (Sarah) Lawson, Austin (Emma Wuster) Cassat, and Haley Ann Cassat; twenty one great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; siblings, Monna (Benny) Tarbell, Bill Main, and Betty Marshall; along with numerous extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; L. E. (Elec) Main & Mabel Main, wife, Bonnie; sons, Michael Ray Main and Benny Joe Main; sons-in-law, Michael Alvord and David Cassat; his parents; and siblings, Artis Main, Richard Main, June Main, Jimmy Main, Gene Main, Benny Main, Annie Reihsen, and Jerry Main.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday February 5, 2026 at Thomas Funeral Home in Moravia, starting at 11:00AM. Visitation will take place on Thursday February 5, 2026 at Thomas Funeral Home in Moravia, starting at 9:30AM until time of service. Burial will follow the service at Salem Cemetery west of Moravia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Moravia First Responders and can be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Main Family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at https://www.thomasfh.com or https://www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome .
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