Thomas Orin Maine

Thomas Orin Maine, “Tom”, age 96 of Carbondale, passed away Sunday, February 27, 2022 at the Cottages of Lake St. Louis. He was born September 4, 1925 to Ralph and Bernice (Thomas) Maine in St. Louis. After his birth, his family moved to Des Moines, Iowa. He graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School in June of 1943. In August of 1943 he reported for duty to the United States Navy, serving his country proudly. He received his Navy Wings and commissioned on Ensign USNR. He went to Florida for advanced flight training and carrier qualifications, then on to San Diego for permanent duty. He was released from active duty in 1947. In November of 1945 he married Florence Bright and she precedes him. On April 11, 1987 he married Shirley Lillard and she preceded him on February 26, 2021. His brother, Richard Maine, preceded him in death as well as his grandson, Coulter Willis, on June 13, 2019. He attended Iowa State University, graduating with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 1952. He then took a position as an Aerospace Design Engineer with McDonnell Aircraft Company which later merged with Douglas to become McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Company. He was a member of AARP and traveled to many annual national conventions throughout the United States. He began swimming with the Senior Olympic Competitions in Missouri, Illinois and National meets. He also joined the Masters swimming organization and swam in meets locally, nationally and internationally in Finland, New Zealand, Italy and Sweden. He holds world and national records as a Master swimmer and Senior Olympic swimmer. On September 23, 2016 Tom was inducted into the International Masters Hall of Fame. Over the years, he and Shirley enjoyed boating on their cruiser and sailing. He became a lifetime member of Crab Orchard Boat and Yacht Club. Tom is survived by his sister, Dorothy “Dot” ( John) Cachiaras; his children: Larry (Donna) Maine, Scott Maine, Jerri Maine and Suzanne (Bob) Theismann; step-children: Anne (Mike) Teymouri, Patrick (Brenda) Lillard, Daniel (Sheril) Lillard and Eric (Diane) Lillard. He was loved by his 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 11 step grandchildren; 13 step great-grandchildren; and many relatives and friends. Visitation for Thomas O. Maine will be Tuesday, March 8, 2022 from 9:00 am to 10:00 am in Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at 10:00 am at the funeral home with Rev. Dr. K. Stephen Combs officiating. Interment will follow at 1:30 pm in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO with full military honors by the United States Navy. The funeral service will be live streamed on the Crain Funeral Home facebook page. Memorials can be made to the donor’s choice and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Thomas Orin Maine

September 4, 1925 - February 27, 2022