Dr. Francis Charles "Frank" McMains

Dr. Francis Charles "Frank" McMains obituary, Baton Rouge, LA

FUNERAL HOME

Rabenhorst Funeral Home & Crematory - Downtown

825 Government Street

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Francis McMains Obituary

He always liked to make an early start. Frank McMains passed from this world to the next at 5:30 a.m., Thursday, June 6, 2013, one month and a day after his 91st birthday. Frank died of natural causes, at home as he wished, surrounded by loving family and friends. Dr. Francis Charles McMains, Sr., known as "Frank" to his wife and friends, "Francis" to his mom, "Dad" to his sons, "Pete" to his brother and grandchildren, and "Doc" to so many others whom he touched in his medical practice and life, was born above his grandparents' store in Dexter, New Mexico on May 5, 1922. His father Orion was a farmer and his mother Pearl a school teacher. At the age of 12 his parents moved his beloved brother Orion, Jr. (Bud) and him north to Grants in search of greener pastures. Frank excelled as a top student and leader, graduating high school May 24, 1939. He went on to study pre-med at the University of New Mexico (UNM), completing his B.S. while continuing his daily hand milking duties morning and night on the family farm. He became a proud member of Sigma Chi during his years as a Lobo. Upon graduation from UNM he was accepted into Tulane Medical School courtesy of a U.S. Naval program training doctors for the war. This fortuitous placement gave him not only the preparation for his 41-year career as an Orthopedic Surgeon but most importantly led him to meet the love of his life. Ann Greer was persuaded to accompany a close friend to New Orleans from Baton Rouge for a blind date with the young medical student. He was so taken with her looks and intelligence that he asked her to marry him on the first date. She thought a bit of courtship would perhaps be practical. The ever slight, ever poor country boy financed their dates by giving more than the usual amount of blood each week at the blood bank. He ran the blood bank and found his relatively rare type was worth a premium to Mr. Fenner of Merrill Lynch Fenner. The downside is that Ann found him rather pale and constantly worried he would faint. Nevertheless, he won her heart and in 1947, 7 years to the date from his high school graduation, they began a marriage that would carry them through 66 years of shared growth, adventure, comfort and delight. During his career in the Navy, Ann and Frank lived in New Orleans,Pensacola, Washington D.C. and Virginia Beach. After the Navy, Frank completed his residency at Duke Hospital in Durham and then moved to the Shiners' Hospital in Greenville, South Carolina, where he began his career-long work with disabled children. Upon the death of Ann's mother, the couple, now with two sons, moved back to settle in Baton Rouge. Dr. Willard Dowell then asked him to be his partner and they co-founded the Orthopedic Clinic which soon grew by adding colleagues Dr. Bill Smith, Dr. Charles Kennon and Dr. Barry Rills. When time allowed, he enjoyed training residents at Tulane Medical School and in 1964 was Chief of Staff at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital. His proudest work was the volunteer time he spent every Thursday for 33 years at the Cerebral Palsy Center providing medical services for disabled kids. In 2000, the center honored that work by changing its name to the Dr. Frank McMains Children's Development Center. He also served as the volunteer team doctor for football and basketball teams at University and Episcopal High while their five sons were in attendance. Throughout his medical career he was proudly affiliated with Phi Chi medical fraternity, Alpha Omega Alpha medical honorary society and the Piedmont Orthopedic Association. He also lent his hand as medical director of Union National Life Insurance. In 1976 he was named an Honorary Citizen of San Salvador, El Salvador, for his voluntary medical work in that country in collaboration with George Lambert. When not working, he enjoyed the company of his friends the Pettys, Greers, Hills, Prossers and O'Conners in their Bridge, Supper and Rebel Dance clubs, though his sons never saw him dance once. He loved to take his 5 sons fishing at Old River and hunting at Pecan Island, primarily for the laughter and less for the outcome. For many years he raised pedigree collies, winning a closet full of ribbons, but mostly because he loved dogs. In retirement he delighted in traveling with his adored Ann in the pursuit of genealogical research, watching his grandchildren grow into healthy youngsters and strong adults, and completing small projects, particularly woodworking, at his barn, always supported by valued neighbor Don Craft and through thick and thin, his dear trusted friend, Jim Middleton. He particularly looked forward to his early morning excursions around Louisiana with Pastor Chris Andrews and Dr. Charles Prosser. In his final years, as his memory began to fail him, he still demonstrated a remarkable ability to make people laugh and to laugh at himself. He delighted to the end in picking on the 13 remarkable women who through their work made his last years a comfort: Lynette, Carol, Kathy, Jeanne, Terri, Tina, Tabitha, Erma, Jesse, Keisha, Ashley, Doris and Edna Mae. The family does not have words to express our gratitude to them and Hospice of Baton Rouge. He will be deeply missed. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, by his third son Rick and by son Jay's wife, Thyre. He is survived by his wife Ann; son Jay, son Chuck (wife Mary), son Tim (partner Toni), son Ty (wife Tracey); 13 delightful grandchildren: Frank, Emily (husband Matt), Daniel (wife-to-be Christie), Jake, Will, Cooper (wife Sarah), Tess, Ross, Kaplan, Parker, Reed, Parks and Brooks and 2 great grandchildren: Annie and Julia. A visitation will be held Saturday, June 8, 2013 at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St. from 1 p.m. until the memorial service at 3 p.m. His grandsons will serve as pallbearers. The service will be followed by a private family burial. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the Dr. Frank McMains Children's Development Center, 1805 College Drive, 70808 or a charity of your choice. Please feel free to share memories and condolences online at www.rabenhorst.com.

Published by The Advocate from Jun. 6 to Jun. 8, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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Frank was a lovely Man
I am certain he has been missed by all who loved him.
Bill and Pat Yocum

Bill and Pat Yocum

Family

May 31, 2023

Doc was a people's doctor; he had a sympathetic way of making you feel better with his manner and caring. He always made me laugh w/ his sense of humor. I will miss seeing him at the 'Center'. My prayers are w/ the family and close friends, and the children of the 'Center'. He left a marvelous legacy thru his work and family.

Dorian Heroman

June 17, 2013

I'm sorry for your lost. Dr. McMains was a great doctor and a caring man. He did surgery on my knee right out of high school which I have not had problems since and I'm 57 now. But I think the thing that most impressed me and made me realize what kind of man and physician he was, was when my brother-in-law was in a motor vehicle accident in Zachary. He was in the hospital in Zachary and not doing well after they did surgery on him so I called Dr. McMains and asked if he would see him. Well he drove to Zachary himself and took one look at my brother-in-law and said he would take his case to bring him to Baton Rouge. We took him to Baton Rouge and Dr. McMains did surgery again on my brother-in-law and he has done fine ever since. He is now 55 years old. Not too many doctors would go out of their way to see if he can help if asked but only Dr. McMains would. He will be truly missed. He was a great man, a great healer of people. May the Lord give you comfort during this time of sorrow.

Angie Warner

June 10, 2013

We all know that Dr.McMains is safely in heaven, if for no other reason the gift of himself he gave to so many. My son, Brad Martin, ( Cerebral Palsy and MMR), was in his care at the Cerebral Palsy Center for 15 years and was his last surgery that he performed. Thank you Dr. McMains for the passion you had for your work and the compassion you had in your heart for special children. Thank you to his family for so graciously sharing your husband and father with so many others. You have all got to be such wonderful people to have given us so much. You are in our prayers and in our hearts and we send you all the love and compassion we can possibly send now at your time of grief and loss. God bless you always...goodbye "Doc"...in Christ...Anne Small and son...James Bradley Martin Jr.

Anne Small

June 9, 2013

Dr. McMains was a great man and a great doctor. He took care of me when I had polio when I was two. He continued treating me until I was about 10 when he performed surgery on my foot. Every time I look at that scar on my foot I think of the doc. He was always smiling and had a way of cheering you up. I always look forward to the next visit. All of my family just adored him. I was lucky to have known him. God bless your family.

Marvin King

June 9, 2013

He will be remembered as a good man. And that is a legacy to be proud of. God bless you all and may He give you comfort.

Cynthia Brown and Myrtle Middleton.

Cynthia Brown

June 8, 2013

Kathy Odum Ferro I will always remember you in that blue work jumpsuit at the Fuqua Bldg. Glad I had the pleasure to meet you.

June 8, 2013

Dr. McMains was, and is, one of Baton Rouge's early leaders who nudged/prodded our city into significance. He helped many, many people who aren't even aware of it and whose thanks he will never receive. Most of us are born originals and die copies. Dr. McMains remained an original his entire life. Thank you, Doc, for giving so much to Baton Rouge and Louisiana.

John Kennedy

June 8, 2013

To the family of the DR.that took care of me with my polio for a very long time. I loved him dearly. he took care of me at the American Legion Hall for all my visits.I was 2years old when I caught polio and seen him for my visits until I made 21 years old, now I am now 69 years old so he has been great for me all my younger years. he will be sadly missed by many and I will always remember him. Sorry for your lossand may God Bless each and everyone of the family.

Catherine LeBlanc Ordoyne

June 7, 2013

I was so saddened to hear the passing of such a great man. I have very fond memories of Dr. McMains as I was growing up. He had touched so many people with his generosity and good will. He will be greatly missed.

Michelle Marchiafava

June 7, 2013

I knew Dr McMains in association with my employment in the OR at The General. He was always moving just below the speed of light. He was instrumental in my decision to become an orthopedic PA. He always kept you on your toes.

I send heartfelt condolences to the family and wish the best to you all. I feel certain he is helping to run the orthopedic service in heaven...

Tim Alford PA-C
Lexington, Ky

June 7, 2013

Thanks to Dr. McMains for all the blessings he bestowed upon my son Jason who has grown into a wonderful man. Thanks to the McMains family for the support they gave Dr. McMains that allowed him to bless the children of Louisiana with his knowledge, kindness and generosity. He will be greatly missed. May God give you solace to know what a wonderful man he was. I know how hard it is to lose a father. My prayers are with you all.

Pamela Ballinger

June 7, 2013

Chuck,

Your Dad was a wonderful person and you'll miss him. He had a long and generous life and leaves a marvelous reputation in both his professional life but also he personal life.

John Beard

June 7, 2013

Dr. McManus will always be remembered in our hearts. He introduced my son to the Cerberal Palsey Center many years ago.
He will be missed.
Our condolence ..Bill and Pat Yocum

June 7, 2013

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. McMains was a wonderful man whom I know is sitting in Heaven with his maker. I have fond memories of him when I was a kid. On more than one occasion, he has put a cast on my arms, once in my moms kitchen!! Oh how we loved to play in his barn upstairs with his grandson daniel and all the other neighborhood kids. So many people have been blessed simply by just knowing him. Sending my regards to the whole family.

Christie Marchiafava

June 7, 2013

Our Condolences and prayers to the McMains family and friends. I had great admiration for Dr. McMains and was good friends with his son Ricky in high school. Both will be missed, but very well remembered.

James & Brenda Hyde

June 6, 2013

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