Howard Brian Main

June 27, 1960 - November 1, 2024

Howard Brian Main, 64, of North Platte, passed away on Nov. 1, 2024, at his home.

He was born June 27, 1960, to Francis and Wilma Erickson Main in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Howard attended Ellis District #87 Elementary School in Ellis, South Dakota. He graduated in 1978 from West Central High School in Hartford, South Dakota. He graduated from Iowa State University with an agronomy degree.

Howard worked for 30 years as a soil scientist for the U.S. Government. Soil surveys took him to Montana, New Mexico and Nebraska.

Howard enjoyed reading, writing poetry, playing guitar, writing songs, and recording music at home. He will be remembered as a lifelong fan of the Beatles and Dylan.

Howard had a passion for the Old West. He studied it, lived it, and breathed it. He participated in a 17-day trail ride from Fort Pierre to Deadwood, South Dakota; Custer State Park buffalo roundups; and Little Big Horn Battle reenactments in Hardin, Montana. Howard was an extra in Western movie productions in New Mexico. He rode his horse Scout in Pony Express re-rides in Nebraska. Howard was an old west history buff, especially of the Battle of Little Big Horn.

Howard loved hunting big game in the Snowy Mountains of Montana. His love of the Old West led him to build a forge and a leather workshop.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Donna Lueth; and nephew, Michael McHugh.

Howard is survived by siblings, Tom (Susan) Main of Chester, South Dakota, Jan (Don) Ewoldt of Hartford, South Dakota, Barb McHugh of Minneapolis, Linda Main of Henderson, Nevada, and Julie Main-Glaser of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; special friends, Angie Elg of Isle, Minnesota, Mary Rita, Jeremey, and Adam Tiesman; and numerous nieces, nephews, and neighbors.

Howard's family would like to thank his many caregivers.

Howard had a great love for his horses and his dogs. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to your local animal shelter.

"God, give us more summer nights together, either now or sometime of your favor, take us back to them days of old Ellis, and this time, I'll listen closer, to what them stars tried to tell us." HB Main

"I'll see ya on down the line"

A family Celebration of Life is at a later date. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by North Platte Telegraph on Nov. 7, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Howard Main

Sponsored by Adams & Swanson Funeral Home - North Platte.

7 Entries

Charyl (Kropp) Peifer

November 15, 2024

I am so sad to hear of his passing. I also knew Howard from West Central. For such a small class of graduates, we have already lost so many. My condolences to his friends and family.

Harold and Connie Fiferlick

November 11, 2024

So sorry to hear of the passing of Howard. The Main family were neighbors in Ellis. We went to schools together rode the same bus and to church. Howard was alot younger so we have memories of him growing up. Haven't seen him for a long time. Last I knew he lived in Montana. He was taken so soon. It is devastating losing a sister 2 weeks ago and him now. So sad. May God be with you all at this difficult time. Rest in peace Howard no more suffering. You all have our Deepest Sympathy!!

Roger Hammer

November 9, 2024

Sad news. Howard and I worked together in updating the soil surveys of Thomas and Hooker Counties (2008-2010) and contract work after I retired (2011-2013). He always treated me and others with respect. After I moved, I visited him and Angie in North Platte several times and once they visited me in Wahoo. I am praying for Angie and his siblings and their families. Picture is at Nebraskaland Days parade in North Platte (June, 2011).

Shawn Riley

November 8, 2024

I worked with Howard and Angie for 10+ years at the USDA-NRCS in North Platte, NE. He was a fantastic coworker and friend. He was a dedicated soil scientist and at the top of his profession. I will miss our occasional phone calls, where we talked about hunting elk and Dutch oven cooking. But, I'm a believer in the death, burial and reresection of my Lord Jesus Christ. So I will see Howard again.

Cherry Johnson (McCullough)

November 7, 2024

I went to school with Howard and graduated with him at West Central. He sat behind me in English Lit. I hated the class but Howard always made it tolerable!!! He really had a funny side!!!

Scott Grapevine

November 7, 2024

Howard and I grew up two houses from each other and shared many fun adventures in our early years. He was one of the good ones. He will be missed. My condolences to his family and friends.

John Warner

November 5, 2024

Howard will be missed deeply. I enjoyed visiting with Howard and talking about the many topics he was passionate about. My sincerest condolences .

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