Obituary of George May

George Edward May January 20, 1912 January 14, 2007 George Edward May, 94, of Niles, passed away at his home on Sunday, January 14, 2007. George was born on January 20, 1912 to the late Frank and Mary (Miller) May in Nappanee, Indiana. His family then traveled to Niles in a horse drawn carriage. On July 3, 1933 George married the love of his life Irene Boose at a ceremony in Niles. George is preceded in death by his parents, wife and siblings Wilbur (Ione) May, Fern Shoemaker and Wilma Gordon. George was always in pursuit of adventure and bigger and better things for his life. After graduating from high school George attended the University of Notre Dame and Indiana University. In 1933 he worked in Chicago at the World's Fair for Heath Aircraft. As a laborer he helped build the road between Chicago and Niles and then settled down at Tyler's. He started as a general line worker and at his retirement in 1973, after 40 years of dedicated service, he was the plant superintendent. He did so well that he was sent to Australia to get a factory there back on its feet; he doubled production of the factory in one year's time. When asked why he retired so early George always replied "I don't want to die young and not experience life". When he wasn't working he still had his hand in many things around his community. He served as a member of the Barron Lake Association, President of Tyler's Management Club, member of the Tyler's bowling league, treasurer for the Howard Township and was a sole purchaser, for the township, in buying the property for Pepper-Martin Park. He was a founding member of the Howard Township Fire Department, Howard Township Little League and the Barron Lake Cub Scouts. In December of 2005 George was honored by the Howard Township Fire Department for being an outstanding member and was given a new badge. George was very active in the construction of the Huntly Memorial Baptist Church and continued to be an active member of the congregation. In 1955 George was a charter member of the church. He helped with the construction, served as a member and later as a Deacon and Sunday School Superintendent. George and Irene lived in Florida for 30 winters. He enjoyed fishing, hunting in Wyoming, carpentry work and camping. He was also a square dance caller for over 30 years. He is survived by his son John (Karen) May of Santa Fe, NM, daughters Sharon (Richard) Smith of South Bend, Indiana and Wendy (William) Brock of Niles, sister Helen (Dick) Evick of Niles, 9 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandson. A time of visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 at the Huntly Memorial Baptist Church from 5-8 pm where George's funeral will also be held on Thursday at 2:30p.m. Tom Clabaugh will be officiating. George will be interred at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens following the service.