Gilbert Joseph Mains

Gilbert Joseph Mains, 92, beloved husband, father, Pap Pap and teacher passed away at his home in Stillwater Oklahoma on January 3, 2022. He was born on April 20, 1929 in Clairton Pennsylvania to Gilbert Henry Mains and Lois Benedict (Smith) Mains. He grew up in Clairton Pennsylvania. Later he attended Duquesne University from 1947 to 1951 and obtained a B.S. (magna cum laude) in chemistry. He joined the faculty at Cambridge University after being awarded a Fulbright Fellowship. He then went on to the University of California at Berkley for his PHD in Physical Chemistry. He joined the faculty at Carnegie Melon in Pittsburgh in 1955 until 1964 as both assistant professor and then associate professor of Chemistry. He then moved to the University of Detroit as a Poetker Professor of Physics and Chemistry and department chairman. In 1971 he moved to Oklahoma State University and served as the head of the chemistry department until 1977. He went back to his first love, teaching, then he retired from Oklahoma State as Professor Emeritus in 1994. Dr. Mains taught with enthusiasm and dedication; he trained many young chemists to think critically in the execution of their research. He published over 100 research papers. Very few scientists have contributed to so many areas of physical chemistry.
On August 25,1951 he married Jacqueline Marie Taschler in Bradford Pennsylvania at St Bernards Church. He had two daughters, Kathleen Louise, and Barbara Ann in 1962 and 1963. He was married to his wife Jacqueline for 70 years.
He is predeceased by his parents Gilbert Henry Mains, and Lois Benedict Mains, his brother David P Mains and his wife Jacqueline Marie.
He is survived by his daughter Kathleen Louise (Mains) Misak and her husband LTC Ronald E Misak USA RET. His daughter Barbara Ann (Mains) Twist and her husband Charles Twist. His grandchildren, Evan Ronald Misak, Brianna Jacqueline (Twist) Duncan and her husband Colton Duncan USAF and Allison Marie Twist. He is also survived by his grand dogs Josie, Valkyrie, Oppis and Audie (his favorite stray).
He was lovingly cared for by Barbara Charles, who was by his side when he passed, Molly Rupert, Brenda Stone and Becky Roberts, all who he had grown to love in their care for him for over a year.
Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral website at www.dightonmarler.com