Ernest May, Jr.

Ernest Thomas May, Jr., 96, departed this life on Sunday, October 25, 2015 at the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg, MO. He was born August 24, 1919 in Smithton, MO, one of five children born to Ernest Thomas May, Sr. and Fay Gorrell May. On January 24, 1942 he married the love of his life, Carrie Ellen Cook, who preceded him in death after 62 wonderful years together. He was a member of Hopewell Baptist Church. Mr. May was a lifelong resident of the Smithton area and graduated from Smithton School. As a young man Ernie traveled with the Civilian Conservation Corps, building fences and planting trees before entering the Army in 1942. He spent four years in England and France, serving his country during WII as a Motor Pool Mechanic. Ernie was a farmer most of his life raising cattle, hogs and various row crops. He and Carrie built a successful farming operation through hard work, determination and ingenuity. He was a devoted family man who enjoyed the time he spent with his wife, three children, grandchildren and friends. Ernie and Carrie shared a warm and inviting home full of laughter and joy, that served as a gathering place for anyone who wanted to visit, fish or share a meal. Ernie's passion was coyote hunting. He spent years traveling the countryside with his fox hounds, kids, grandkids and friends, many times hunting into the wee hours. Many good times and good stories were born from these outings. Besides his parents and his spouse, Ernie was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Virginia Smith; two brothers, Robert Truman May and John Benjamin May; and two great-grandchildren. He is survived by his three children, Robert D. May (Phyllis) of Smithton, Linda F. Dennis (Hugo) and Ernest R. May (Vicki) all of Sedalia; eight grandchildren, Bryan McClain (Amanda), Jason McClain (Michelle), Michael McClain (Katie), Justin May (Michelle), Jana May (Kristi), Ernest Dale May (Marsha), Amanda Nielson (Tim), and Robert May (Tabbatha); one sister, Irene Homan; 18 great grandchildren and a host of friends who loved him. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 1, 2015 at 2:00 pm at Hopewell Baptist Church. Rev. Jason McClain, grandson, will officiate. Honorary bearers will be the loving nursing staff of D Wing from the Missouri Veterans Home. Ernie's children would like to thank granddaughter, Michelle McClain for the love and care she gave to their father while living in her home. Her kindness and patience will be remembered always. The family deeply appreciates the loving care given and the dignity shown to Ernie during the time he spent in the Missouri Veterans Home and request in lieu of flowers, donations be made to: D Wing of the Missouri Veterans Home, Warrensburg, MO.