William Perry McMains Jr.

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

William Perry McMains Jr., 80, of West Lafayette, departed this world for his eternal home on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015.

Bill was born in Greencastle on Feb. 28, 1935, to William Perry and Mildred Brattin McMains.

Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, Mary Susan Sears McMains, in 2012. Bill and Mary met over an ice cream cone and quickly became high school sweethearts.

Bill retired after a 42-year career as a telegrapher and agent for the Monon Railroad, which later became the CSX Railroad.

He was a 59-year member of the Greencastle Masonic Temple Lodge 47 and also held membership at the Monon Baptist Church.

Bill enjoyed gardening, fishing, telegraphy and collecting fountain pens.

He was known as "Papaw" and "Dadda" to his grandchildren, and was renowned for his remarkable story-telling ability and contagious laugh.

He is survived by his son, Michael Bryan McMains, and his wife, Cheryl, and his two daughters, Sheree Lynn Schroeder and her husband, Daniel, and Johanna Rae Sale and her husband, Matthew.

Bill had six grandchildren, Dr. M. Craig McMains and his wife, Cara, Kelly Lynn Braun and her husband, Bradley, Kristen Michelle McMains, Jacob Adam Schroeder, and his wife, Holly, Ryan Daniel Schroeder and his wife, Tiffany, and Mason Joseph Sale. Bill's legacy continues with eight great-grandchildren, William McMains, Maxwell McMains, Madison Braun, Noah Schroeder, Benjamin Schroeder, Madeleine Schroeder, Jackson Schroeder and Bentley Schroeder.

Per his request, a private, family ceremony will be held.

In lieu of flowers, it is respectfully requested that memorial contributions be made to the Indiana Masonic Home Foundation Inc., P.O. Box 44210, 525 N. Illinois St., Indianapolis, IN 46244-0210, in honor of William Perry McMains Jr.

Dad was an ordinary man with an extraordinary strength of character; we will miss him dearly. Share memories and condolences online at www.hippensteelfuneralservice.com.