Joseph Michael May, Age: 86
Send Flowers
Sep 24, 1932---Apr 04, 2019

Joseph Michael May, 86, passed away April 4, 2019 surrounded by family members. He was born on September 24, 1932 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Although he was born in South Dakota and moved frequently throughout his youth, Joe May was a proud community member of Beeville, TX, El Paso, TX, Williamsburg, KS, and Overland Park, KS.  Joe was known for his service and generosity in these communities. He served as an Army Instructor during the Korean Conflict. He was a giving community volunteer and proud veteran advocate.  Joe was an Insurance Professional for 50 years in Kansas City.

 

He is preceded in death by his parents James A. May and Frances Temple May, and his siblings Jim, John, Mary Ann, Frances, Thomas May, and his first wife Patsy May.

 

He is survived by his loving wife Barbara May, his brother Jerome May and his eleven children Mike May, Mary Ann Parkin, David May, Karen Leimer, Cathy Cunningham, Michael May, Teresa May-Teerink, Brendan May, Brian May, Barry Smith and Brian Smith.

 

He was blessed with 23 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

 

He was devout to his faith and devoted to the Church of the Resurrection of which he was a passionate and involved member.

 

Inspired by a sermon message by Pastor Adam Hamilton, Joe resolved to do something different each year at Christmas time. In lieu of material gifts, he and Barb would endorse a charitable, Christian-based organization to promote and support people in need in marginalized communities around the world. Each year the May family together gave a charitable gift via Joe and Barb’s philanthropic initiative.

 

Some organizations they supported are Wells For Life, Global Orphan Project, St. Michael’s Veterans Center and Matthew’s Ministry.

 

Joe loved history and was an avid reader of books on all subjects, particularly United States history, the founding fathers and more. He loved the Kansas City Chiefs and his wife’s chocolate chip cookies.

 

A Celebration of Life will be 11:00 AM Monday, April 8, 2019 at Church of the Resurrection, main sanctuary, 13720 Roe Avenue, Leawood, KS 66224, with a reception to follow.  Inurnment will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at the National Cemetery, Leavenworth, KS. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to the Matthew's Ministry at COR.


Condolences

Devon Vickers Apr 04, 2019

Barb and family, my heart breaks with yours. Many prayers and lots of love for you as you walk this road of grief. Praise God for Joe's victory in Jesus!

Jeanne Strange Apr 05, 2019

Neighbor ,Gladstone ,Missouri

My heart went out to your family for the loss of Joseph. I loss my mother over 10+ years ago. But I found comfort in these few scriptures. I hope they find comfort for you during this difficult time. Psalms 37:9,-11,29 9 For evil men will be done away with,j But those hoping in Jehovah will possess the earth.k 10 Just a little while longer, and the wicked will be no more;l You will look at where they were, And they will not be there.m 11 But the meek will possess the earth,n And they will find exquisite delight in the abundance 29 The righteous will possess the earth,i And they will live forever on it.j Please look up these scriptures in your own copy of the Bible. It will give you confidence you will see Joseph again under righteous condition where he is no longer sick but restored youth and healthy. If you enjoyed reading about this hope, you can read more of God's great plans for our future at www.jw.org Your neighbor, Jeanne Strange

Liz Davis-Means Apr 05, 2019

Very sorry for your family's loss.

Rick &Teresa McClellan Apr 05, 2019

Charlotte May's sister ,New Franklin ,Missouri

I am so sorry for Your loss. May the Good Lord comfort you in this time.

Jean Watkins Apr 05, 2019

Friend ,Shawnee ,Kansas

So sad for you and your family, Barb. My heart is breaking for you. It has been wonderful getting to hear about you and Joe as we got acquainted at Chico’s. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Jean Watkins

Tom G Baskin Apr 05, 2019

Nephew ,Colorado Springs ,Colorado

I have only nice memories of Uncle Joe, was always fun to see just didn't him all that much which I regret, Tom Baskin

Ruth Weddle Apr 05, 2019

Friend ,Olathe ,Kansas

Dear Barb, my sincere condolences on your loss. I am so happy I got to see Joe a few weeks ago after the wonderful concert I attended with you at COR. Joe was a wonderful caring person and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. In Christ's Love, Ruth

Betts Rawalt Apr 05, 2019

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Oh, Barb......you have my deepest sympathy for such a loss as your wonderful Joe! He will be missed so much. Prayers for you and your whole family at this time. Betts🌻

Anna T Marquardt Apr 07, 2019

Cousin ,LAFAYETTE ,Louisiana

Joe's passing prompts memories of how much my mother loved all her brothers. And how much I loved hearing about my uncles- among them my handsome high school athlete Uncle Joe. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time of heartache.

Cary Cook Apr 07, 2019

Nephew ,Huntsville ,Texas

I was saddened to hear of the sudden passing of my Uncle Joe, my godfather. I have many fond memories of family gatherings as a child and the games we used to play. Those backyard baseball games were the best ever. My Uncle Joe made them so much fun and I can honestly say he had just as much fun as we did. Of course he has that million dollar smile, a sparkle in his eye, and an infectious laugh. I can’t help but write and think of him in the present tense because for me he lives in my heart and thoughts. I know countless good things will be said about my Uncle Joe in the coming days, rightfully so!! To me, a man’s greatest legacy is his faith and his family and my Ucle Joe had the best of both!!! My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire May family and I know you have peace knowing he’s with our Heavenly Father.

Fred & Sue Huse Apr 10, 2019

Friend ,Lenexa ,Kansas

Barb, our love and prayers go to you and your family. Knowing Joe and working with both David & Joe at Connecticut Mutual brings many memories. When we met you Barb, Joe seemed complete and happy and we were happy for both of you. Small group from COR in FL sealed a bond never to be broken. Feel our prayers and support with this great loss but dwelling on the thought that he's in a better place and will be waiting for you and the rest of his family and friends.

Services

Event:
Celebration of Life
Location:
Church of the Resurrection
Address:
13720 Roe Avenue
City:
Leawood
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66224
Date:
Apr 08, 2019
Time:
11:00 AM
Google Map:
Click Here to see Location on Map