Published: May 09, 2008 10:26 am            

Raymond May

Raymond “Jack” May, 85, of Centralia, passed away at 6:55 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, 2008, at Doctors Nursing and Rehab in Salem.

He was born in Marion on Oct. 17, 1922, a son of Lawrence R. and Mable (Hodges) May. He married Jessie Roberson on March 12, 1966, in Ashley, and she survives in Centralia. He owned and operated a garage and repair shop for 50 years. Prior to that, he operated a salvage yard. He moved to Centralia 20 years ago from Nashville.

Jack was a member of the First Christian Church in Centralia. He was a member of the Centralia Lodge 201 AF and AM, the Scottish Rite, Ainad Temple, the American Legion Post 446 and VFW Post 2055.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughters, Ruth Ann Meinert and husband Wayne of San Antonio, and Debra Jean Cameron of Overland Park, Kan., Margaret Jane May and husband Malcolm Katt of Belleville, Carla Harbour and husband Ron of Harlingen, Texas, and Alana McConnell and husband Dale of Centralia; a sister, Carolyn McCormack and special friend Lou Black of Salem; nine grandchildren, Tracy Meinert, Tammy Ruszrak, Andrew Cameron, Jeffery Althoff, John Althoff, Jessica Crownover, Matthew Crownover, Jessica McConnell and Caleb McConnell; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Billy May.

Jack was a corporal in the U.S. Army in World War II, having served from Aug. 13, 1943 to Feb. 10, 1946.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday at Irvin Funeral Home in Centralia with Pastor Tommy Henegar and Alan Mason officiating. There will be a private interment at a later time at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Sandoval Township.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. tonight and after 8 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Military rites will be accorded by the VFW Post 2055 and the American Legion Post 446.

        

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