Stanley M. May, 89, passed away November 19, 2012, at Rosewood nursing home after a brief bout with terminal cancers. Visitation from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 26, at the McGilley & Sheil Chapel with funeral service beginning at 11:30 a.m. Burial to follow in Mt. Washington Cemetery. Stan was born to the union of Stanley Stanton and Peirrie Belle Lieurance May on Sept. 12, 1923, in Montgomery County, Mo. He was preceded in death by his loving parents and nine of his 10 siblings, brothers, Charlie May, Ervin May, Olen May, Loren May and Clifford May; sisters, Selma Brown, Leona Lewis, Martha Hendricks and Peirrie Lehnen. Stan leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Lilyan May of almost 68 years; his sons, Gregory May and wife Aisha and Danny May and wife Theresa; his beloved granddaughter, Brittany May and his lone surviving brother, Norman May. Stan was raised on a farm and worked tirelessly along side his parents and siblings. As a young man Stan was an excellent baseball player who was recruited by "older teams" - his excellent play kept him in demand. The family supplemented their food supply and income by fishing, hunting and trapping - Stan was an excellent outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing and hunting throughout his life. When Stan was 17 and World War II was raging he finally convinced his father to let him join the Navy. He spent most of his time on the oil tanker Cacapon in the South Pacific and served as a Water Tender II during his 4-year Navy career. He received numerous medals and awards and was honorably discharged in Dec. 1945. Stan was married in Kansas City to Lilyan May Elton of Middletown, Mo., on Feb. 3, 1945. After military service Stan went to barber school and for a few years worked as a barber in Kansas City. Stan later became a sheet metal worker; a job which allowed him to excel with his physical prowess coupled with innate intelligence and his play hard and work harder life philosophy. He remained a proud member of Sheet Metal Local 2 until his passing. Stan and Lilyan resided in Kansas City for over 65 years. Stan's interests included scouting, fishing, hunting, baseball, football, golf, billiards and racing. He was a charter member of FOE 3717 Eagles Club in Sugar Creek. Stan never claimed to be the best at anything but he was extremely competitive in all endeavors. He worked extensively in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts as a leader, baseball coach and mentor - Stan made a significant difference in many lives. Above all, Stan May enjoyed and cherished his family and friends both groups being quite large. Condolences may be sent to www.mcgilleysheil.com. McGilley & Sheil Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 11924 E. 47th St, Kansas City, MO 64133, 816-353-6555 www.mcgilleysheil.com

Published in Kansas City Star on November 25, 2012