Colonel Lloyd Rondall Cain (US Army ret.)
February 2, 1923 ~ February 24, 2020
Colonel Lloyd Rondall Cain (US Army, ret.), 97, of Jefferson City passed away Monday, February 24, 2020, at his residence surrounded by loved ones.
Lloyd was born Feb 2nd, 1923 to Carlos Bert and Lura Hollars Cain at Bloomfield, Indiana. He was reared on a farm two miles WNW of Switz City, Indiana and he attended Switz City High School (graduated 1941) where he played clarinet in the Band and was active in 4 H Club activities.
After graduation from High School, Lloyd began attending Purdue University on an agricultural scholarship and was an active member of the Purdue University Corps and Symphonic Bands, playing the clarinet.
He finished two years of college and—after enlisting in the Army—was called to active duty in 1943. He trained in anti-aircraft school for 18 months before transferring to the infantry and eventually was assigned to the 100th Division at Ft. Bragg, N.C., in September 1944. A month later he found himself on a troop ship bound for service in Europe.
In France, Lloyd was sent beyond the American line to observe enemy activity and direct mortar fire against enemy emplacements. Leaving the relative safety of his own defensive position, Lloyd would move forward, identify the enemy location and fire white phosphorous rounds in an effort to clear the Germans out of their foxholes. His actions often left him exposed to enemy mortar fire and he would often have to retreat back toward the American line. After four incursions into German-held territory, Lloyd’s actions were able to effectively halt the German advance. In recognition of his selfless and courageous efforts, he was awarded the Silver Star—the third-highest U.S. combat decoration, in Frankfurt, Germany on July 4, 1947.
A few months later, in May 1945, Lloyd received another profound distinction when he was given a battlefield commission, resulting in a promotion to the rank of second lieutenant. He remained in Europe until November 1947, when he was reassigned to Ft. Dix, N.J.
In 1952, Lloyd received orders to deploy in support of the Korean War. Assigned as a heavy mortar commander for the 40th Infantry Division, 224th Infantry Regiment, he received a Purple Heart for minor injuries incurred as the result of a mortar blast.
In 1965 he deployed to Vietnam to serve a one-year stint as the senior army advisor to the commandant of the Army Infantry School in Saigon.
During the final three years of his career, he served as the senior army advisor with the Missouri National Guard Headquarters in Jefferson City. In 1976, he retired from the military as a colonel with 33 years of service.
He had a well-decorated and extensive military career, and was awarded: the Silver Star (Hottviller, France), Legion of Merit, Bronze Star (3), Army Commendation Medal (3), Purple Heart; Good Conduct Medal (Enlisted Service); Republic Vietnam Medal of Honor; Missouri Legion of Merit ; 3 Campaign Battlestars (Europe): 3 Battlestars (Korea): and 3 Battlestars (Republic of Vietnam) Combat Infantry Man Badge (2) WWII, and Korea Expert Parachute Badge.
To honor the sacrifices made in support of the liberation of France, Lloyd was awarded the French Legion of Honor Medal in January 2012.
While serving his country, he also graduated with bachelor degrees from Maryland University (1956) and Jacksonville State University (1958) as well as doing some post graduate work at University of Missouri (1976-78).
He married his first wife, Regina Warnick, an Army nurse, at Fort Dix N.J. on July 17th, 1948. Regina preceded Lloyd in death on December 15, 1986.
He married his second wife, Jeanne Wilson, on March 28, 1988. Jeanne preceded him in death on November 16, 2012.
He is survived by 7 children: Karl Joseph Cain (Victoria) of San Diego, CA; Mary Ann Cain (Dave Russell) of Flagstaff, AZ; Michael Anthony Cain (Margaret Ann) of Denver, CO; John Patrick Cain (Elizabeth) of Monrovia, CA; Carol Sue Cain (James Botts) of Benicia, CA; Robert Andrew Cain (Madhu) of Dyer, IN; and Peggy Ann Milam (Mark) Ramstein AFB, Germany.
And 4 step-children: Michael Wilson (Deborah) of Jefferson City, MO; James Wilson (Nancy) of Macon, MO; Philip Wilson II (Wanda) of Jefferson City; and Margaret Wilson (Charles Lemley) of Kirksville, MO.
He is survived by 17 grandchildren: Sarah; Robin; Keli; Skyler; Paul; Christian; Anneke; Robert; Elizabeth; Brian; Christopher; Kathryn; Philip; Christine; Charles; Mary Kate; and Benjamin; 10 great-grandchildren: Adeline; Josephine; Cole; Caleb; Drew; Beau; Colin; Adam; Nathan; and Pixie.
Lloyd has 2 sisters who survive him: Mary Lucille Kindig of Homewood, IL; and Ruby Maxine Lee of Clearwater, FL.
And 1 sister who preceded him in death: Louise Gene Estes of Boulder, CO on May 26, 2017.
Lloyd will be remembered for his quick wit, deep faith, and love of family and nature.
Visitation will be 4:30-7 p.m. Thursday, February 27, 2020, at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home with a prayer service at 4 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Friday at the Cathedral of St. Joseph with the Rev. Louis M. Nelen officiating.
Burial with military honors will be in Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the Missouri Veterans Home in Mexico or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Those wishing to send condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.
Lloyd was born Feb 2nd, 1923 to Carlos Bert and Lura Hollars Cain at Bloomfield, Indiana. He was reared on a farm two miles WNW of Switz City, Indiana and he attended Switz City High School (graduated 1941) where he played clarinet in the Band and was active in 4 H Club activities.
After graduation from High School, Lloyd began attending Purdue University on an agricultural scholarship and was an active member of the Purdue University Corps and Symphonic Bands, playing the clarinet.
He finished two years of college and—after enlisting in the Army—was called to active duty in 1943. He trained in anti-aircraft school for 18 months before transferring to the infantry and eventually was assigned to the 100th Division at Ft. Bragg, N.C., in September 1944. A month later he found himself on a troop ship bound for service in Europe.
In France, Lloyd was sent beyond the American line to observe enemy activity and direct mortar fire against enemy emplacements. Leaving the relative safety of his own defensive position, Lloyd would move forward, identify the enemy location and fire white phosphorous rounds in an effort to clear the Germans out of their foxholes. His actions often left him exposed to enemy mortar fire and he would often have to retreat back toward the American line. After four incursions into German-held territory, Lloyd’s actions were able to effectively halt the German advance. In recognition of his selfless and courageous efforts, he was awarded the Silver Star—the third-highest U.S. combat decoration, in Frankfurt, Germany on July 4, 1947.
A few months later, in May 1945, Lloyd received another profound distinction when he was given a battlefield commission, resulting in a promotion to the rank of second lieutenant. He remained in Europe until November 1947, when he was reassigned to Ft. Dix, N.J.
In 1952, Lloyd received orders to deploy in support of the Korean War. Assigned as a heavy mortar commander for the 40th Infantry Division, 224th Infantry Regiment, he received a Purple Heart for minor injuries incurred as the result of a mortar blast.
In 1965 he deployed to Vietnam to serve a one-year stint as the senior army advisor to the commandant of the Army Infantry School in Saigon.
During the final three years of his career, he served as the senior army advisor with the Missouri National Guard Headquarters in Jefferson City. In 1976, he retired from the military as a colonel with 33 years of service.
He had a well-decorated and extensive military career, and was awarded: the Silver Star (Hottviller, France), Legion of Merit, Bronze Star (3), Army Commendation Medal (3), Purple Heart; Good Conduct Medal (Enlisted Service); Republic Vietnam Medal of Honor; Missouri Legion of Merit ; 3 Campaign Battlestars (Europe): 3 Battlestars (Korea): and 3 Battlestars (Republic of Vietnam) Combat Infantry Man Badge (2) WWII, and Korea Expert Parachute Badge.
To honor the sacrifices made in support of the liberation of France, Lloyd was awarded the French Legion of Honor Medal in January 2012.
While serving his country, he also graduated with bachelor degrees from Maryland University (1956) and Jacksonville State University (1958) as well as doing some post graduate work at University of Missouri (1976-78).
He married his first wife, Regina Warnick, an Army nurse, at Fort Dix N.J. on July 17th, 1948. Regina preceded Lloyd in death on December 15, 1986.
He married his second wife, Jeanne Wilson, on March 28, 1988. Jeanne preceded him in death on November 16, 2012.
He is survived by 7 children: Karl Joseph Cain (Victoria) of San Diego, CA; Mary Ann Cain (Dave Russell) of Flagstaff, AZ; Michael Anthony Cain (Margaret Ann) of Denver, CO; John Patrick Cain (Elizabeth) of Monrovia, CA; Carol Sue Cain (James Botts) of Benicia, CA; Robert Andrew Cain (Madhu) of Dyer, IN; and Peggy Ann Milam (Mark) Ramstein AFB, Germany.
And 4 step-children: Michael Wilson (Deborah) of Jefferson City, MO; James Wilson (Nancy) of Macon, MO; Philip Wilson II (Wanda) of Jefferson City; and Margaret Wilson (Charles Lemley) of Kirksville, MO.
He is survived by 17 grandchildren: Sarah; Robin; Keli; Skyler; Paul; Christian; Anneke; Robert; Elizabeth; Brian; Christopher; Kathryn; Philip; Christine; Charles; Mary Kate; and Benjamin; 10 great-grandchildren: Adeline; Josephine; Cole; Caleb; Drew; Beau; Colin; Adam; Nathan; and Pixie.
Lloyd has 2 sisters who survive him: Mary Lucille Kindig of Homewood, IL; and Ruby Maxine Lee of Clearwater, FL.
And 1 sister who preceded him in death: Louise Gene Estes of Boulder, CO on May 26, 2017.
Lloyd will be remembered for his quick wit, deep faith, and love of family and nature.
Visitation will be 4:30-7 p.m. Thursday, February 27, 2020, at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home with a prayer service at 4 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Friday at the Cathedral of St. Joseph with the Rev. Louis M. Nelen officiating.
Burial with military honors will be in Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the Missouri Veterans Home in Mexico or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Those wishing to send condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.
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Lloyd received this Legion of Honor award in Jefferson City January 2012
Lloyd @ 17 years old in the 4H club in Switz City, Indiana
Missouri Governor presenting Lloyd R. Cain the French Legion of Honor medal
Lloyd was a Clarinet player in the Purdue University Symphonic Band
Lloyd is the soldier with the rifle in the picture of freeing Bitche France from the Germans
Pre-97 birthday ice cream run Feb 1, 2020
I didn’t know mr Cain but I just wanted to say thank you for your service to this great nation of ours and fighting what u believe in once again thank you for your service
My Mother, Areva Moody and Aunt Reba Hauser spoke fondly of Lloyd as a respected classmate many times thru the years. What wonderful memories your family must have!
My father Darrell Wells originally from SE Missouri was stationed outside Stuttgart, Germany in the late ‘50s and early’60s at the 7th Army HQ. During part of his time there he worked for Lloyd R. Cain. They ended up going down two very different paths. My father told me stories that Lloyd told him about his prior years of service in the Army when I was growing up. It was not until about ten years ago that my father found out that he and Lloyd had been living in Jefferson City for decades only miles apart. My father spoke very fondly of Lloyd as a person that influenced his life in a positive way. He was very sad to hear of Lloyd’s passing but was unable to attend the funeral due to his own failing health. Unfortunately my father passed away just a month later. He desperately tried to locate a photo of Lloyd take during a meeting in Germany. After my father’s passing the photo was finally located. The back of the photo says Lloyd R. Cain, Maj. The best I can tell he is the one circled. I am attaching it to this memory. -Sam Wells, Jefferson City, MO
I was an officer in Col Cain’s battalion in Korea, in 1969. I was his adjutant. Lloyd was a fine man and certainly the best boss I ever had. It was an honor to work for him. Tom Berry
Just now found out that COL Cain died. I am so sorry I didn’t know then so I could have come to his service. Here are parts of a letter I wrote to him several years ago that he never answered. I have lots of stories I could tell to any of his family who would like to contact me. Sir, I would be the most surprised person in the world if you remembered me, but I sure do remember you. You were the best CO by far that I had in my short military career, and right there with a couple of civilian bosses I had, one of the best bosses I ever worked for! I was your S-3 in Korea as a VERY junior first lieutenant, for a time down at Camp Hovey and then with you at Camp Matta on the DMZ. In fact, I was promoted to 1LT shortly after I arrived in your command and will never forget the day you caught me out in the battalion area and said, “Lt Morris, you are out of uniform, come with me!” Then you took me back to your office for a short pinning ceremony! Scared me half to death as I thought you were about the toughest old codger I had ever seen. I look back proudly on my service in Korea with the 1/32 as probably one of the top one or two most important things I have done in my life. I wish more people knew about Korea in those days and what we did then to hold back the first Kim while the main force was fighting in Vietnam. While in Korea, I went Vol Indef, in large part because of you and fully intended to make the Army a career. A year as a troop commander under a political LTC bucking to be general at Ft Lewis, and then a tour in the mess that Viet Nam became in the early 70’s convinced me to get out though. Anyway, here I am many years later, and have often wondered what happened to you. Once the internet came along I would troll around from time to time looking for your name but never found anything until just recently when I ran across the article about your daughter’s retirement. It was great to hear that you retired as a full colonel – I don’t think many WWII mustangs like you rose to that rank, did they? Just wanted to thank you for what you did for me in Korea, taking a raw young officer and entrusting me with a job way, way beyond my experience level in a very trying period for all of us. I will never forget that and have told many people the story of my best CO ever, Lloyd R Cain. God Bless, Sir. Would love to hear from you if you feel like it. Fred Morris 1201 NE Waverly Way Bentonville, AR 72712 habanero_nut@yahoo.com 918-519-0579