Wayne Everett May age 90 passed away Thursday, May 4th at the VA Hospital in Columbia.
The son of Everett Clifton May and Bernice Evelyn Eaton was born on the farm near Harris, MO in Sullivan County on January 19, 1933. He was raised by his mother, father, and grandparents, James E May and Nettie Johnson May. He spent his younger years farming, raising, and showing cattle with his family.
On 4/21/1953 he entered the military service during the Korean War, serving until his honorable discharge as Corporal on 4/7/1955 at Fort Riley, Kansas. He was married to Freda Badger on 10/27/1955 in Kirksville, MO. They are the parents of three children, Dawn Antonel, Rodney May and wife Debbie, and Susan Lambert. Three Grandchildren, Stephanie Smith, Ashley Long, and Sydney Lambert. Four Great Grandchildren, Colt Long, Addison Smith, Chase Long, and Evalyn Smith.
Wayne and Freda lived on a farm near Harris with their three children, then later moved to Green City where he managed a cattle ranch. Later in 1968, they moved to Kirksville where he worked for Burroughs, MFA where he managed the feed mill, then on to KTVO where he was a part-time cameraman and Jack of all trades. After retirement, he drove cars for Enterprise Rental Car Company. Throughout his entire life, Wayne was a strong Conservative.
Wayne was a good man that loved his family and worked hard to support them. He was an avid cattle farmer and helped his children and granddaughters with raising, grooming, and showing cattle. He was an avid sports fan and spent many hours listening to football and baseball games on the radio or TV, he was also a fan of country music.
As his health failed, he made the decision to enter the VA Home in Mexico, MO where he spent the last 8 years in a wheelchair. Many of the employees of the nursing home became like a second family to him.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and brothers Lyle Gene and Keith.
He is survived by his wife Freda, three children, Dawn Antonel, Rodney May and wife Debbie, and Susan Lambert. Three Grandchildren, Stephanie Smith, Ashley Long, and Sydney Lambert. Four Great Grandchildren, Colt Long, Addison Smith, Chase Long, and Evalyn Smith. He is also survived by his siblings Bonnie Tharp, Dorothy Banner, Mary Reece, and Donald May.
Wayne will be cremated and no services will be held.
Memorials in memory of Wayne are suggested to the Humane Society or 4-H Club of your choice. Memorials may be left at or sent to the Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home, 2100 E. Shepherd Ave., Kirksville, MO 63501.
Arrangements in the care of Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home in Kirksville, MO; www.davisplaylehudsonrimer.com.