Obituary of Howard E. May

Howard E. May, 79, passed away Thursday, October 8 at Ellis hospital in Schenectady. He was born February 15, 1930 in Johnstown, the son of the late Howard and Dorothy Harris May. He served his country proudly in the United States Army from 1947 to 1948. Howard was employed as a maintenance worker for several local businesses, including Somerset Industries where he worked until his retirement. He was also a mechanic for several local garages. The ultimate outdoor enthusiast, he loved camping, hunting, fishing and just about everything else that could be done in the great outdoors. When his sons were little, he used to take them wild mushroom hunting and taught them many things about nature. Howard even raised two bucks that he found as helpless fawn. He was the former pastor of the Scotch Bush Free Methodist Church in St. Johnsville. Howard loved the Lord and loved witnessing and evangelizing for Him whenever he could. He was extremely outgoing and loved to be around people. Everybody who met Howard adored him and he was a great practical joker. Most of all, Howard cherished his family and looked forward to many outings and picnics and holidays spent together. He will be deeply missed. Survivors include his loving wife, the former Catherine Haggerty, who survives. They were married August 27, 1949 and had just celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary. In addition to his wife, Howard leaves behind four sons: Jimmy May Crystal of Edinburgh, Wayne May of Hagaman, Craig May Maryanne of Northville and Jeff May JoAnn of Broadalbin; thirteen grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; four brothers: John May Dorothy of Johnstown, Lloyd May of Coxsackie, Roger May Shirley of Lincolnton, North Carolina and Paul May Nancy of Sprout Brook; three sisters: Phyllis Graham of Johnstown, Bethy Kane of Johnstown, Barbara May of Sheridan, Wyoming and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Howard was predeceased by two brothers: Harry and Jerry May and two sisters: Ethel Lyons and Gladys Marinol. Family and friends are invited and may call Tuesday, October 13 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to the Scotch Bush Free Methodist Church, 190 Church Street, St. Johnsville. A funeral service will follow at 12 p.m. Interment will be at Fical Cemetery, St. Johnsville with military honors. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Jeffords & Stewart Funeral Home, 85 West Main Street, Broadalbin, NY 12025. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Scotch Bush Free Methodist Church, 190 Church Street, St. Johnsville, NY 13452.