Gilbert L. Mains Sr.

MAINS GILBERT L. SR. Born December 17, 1929, Mt. Carmel, Illinois. Left behind wife Dolores and four children; Gil Jr. (Michelle), Michael, Melissa (John) Gremm, William Sr. (Jennifer) Mains, ten grandchildren; Gil III, Khoury, Maxwell, Mary, Michael II, Christopher, Sadie, Sabrina, William II and Leila Louise. Also Surviving are sister, Jo Anne, Brother Pastor Robert Mains, in-laws, Oriat Peters, Esther Kassab, Harold Kassab, niece/daughter, Marie Carpenter, nephews Eddie and Anthony and all the remaining nieces & nephews that he had so much fun with. Preceded in death by Brother Richard, sisters Ruth and Bernice, and in-laws Fred and Charles Kassab. Gilbert served during the Korean War in the US Army. He was a Detroit Lion Player from 1953-1961, with two World Championships 1953 & 1957. He holds the Record for the largest Super bowl/Championship ring past or present a size 22; which a quarter will drop through the center. To stay in shape in the off season he was a Professional Wrestler. Gil was known for his generosity and keeping local Detroit charities functional. Also Wayne State University football program would be non-existent without Gil’s fundraising and help found the Tartar Gridiron Club. Gil attended Murray State University in Murray, KY; where he was inducted into their Hall of Fame. He was also a member of the Wayne State University Hall of Fame. When he joined the Lion’s in 1953, Gil would jump feet first into the wedge on kickoff off returns and is still known today as one of the greatest legends in NFL history for special teams plays. In nine seasons with the NFL Gil never missed a kickoff. Art Donovan regarded him as one of the most feared and aggressive players in the NFL on the field and one of the most respected and well mannered off the field. John Madden was quoted as saying “he was the greatest wedge breaker of all time”. As he jumped feet first into the wedge and took out all four players the announcers said” that is Gil Mains a Murray State Thoroughbred and the other announcer said no that’s a “WILD HOSS”. Visitation at the Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin Friday, January 16, 2009 from 10 AM until time of the service at 2:00 PM with burial following at Logan Township Cemetery. Visitation will also take place at the A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home in Troy on Wednesday, January 12, 2009 from 10 AM until time of the service at 4:00 PM.