Harry Flemming May, 83, Carthage, Missouri, passed away Wednesday morning, December 1, 2021, at his home with family by his side.
Harry was born November 12, 1938, in Shreveport, Louisiana, the son of Abel Edward May and Ludie Beatrice (McLeod) May. Harry was a veteran, proudly serving his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was an offshore oil well worker, where he called himself an “oil well doctor” for Booker Drilling Company and also worked in safety for Exxon Mobil. He later worked manufacturing computer monitors in the Carthage Underground. Harry was also a foster parent for many children in Waverly, Mississippi and in Carthage, Missouri. Harry married Susan Troxclair on October 20, 1984 in the Atlanta Temple in Georgia. He was a member of the Carthage VFW, a mason on the Gulf Coast, and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Joplin, Missouri, where he was a priesthood holder. Harry enjoyed fishing, sailing, cross country cycling, watching wildlife, collecting stamps, but most of all, spending time with his family.
Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Susan May; ten children, Brenda Dalon (Craige Holloway), Neosho, Missouri, Cherie Phillips, Saint Bernard, Louisiana, Wendy May (James Wilkins), Rockaway Beach, Missouri, Melvin Joseph Dalon III (Reba Dalon), Stotts City, Missouri, Chere Lynn May, Houma, Louisiana, Jessica May (Jack Raymond), Logan, Utah, Eric May, Logan Utah, Cesya May (Devon Fowler), Joplin, Missouri, Jasmine May, Carthage, Missouri, Jessiah May, Carthage, Missouri; one brother, Don Edwin May (Bill); one sister, Mary Lula May McFarlin (Marvin McFarlin); 21 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a son-in-law, Jason Phillips; two brothers, Abel Edward May, Jr., and James Edward May; two sisters, Ludie Beatrice May, and Anna Louise May; one grandchild, Cody Warren; and one great-grandchild, Jeremiah Reyes-Gonzalez.
Funeral services will be held 11 am, Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Joplin, Missouri. The family will receive friends from 10 am until service time. Burial with full military honors will follow the service at Fasken Cemetery, Carthage, Missouri. Memorial gifts are suggested to help with the service expenses for Harry in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.
