Ronald (Ron) L. May (or as Sean called him, “Big Pappa”) passed on Sept. 16, 2021, in Springfield, Ore., at the age of 79 under the incomparable-loving care of Elderhealth and Living. Ron was born in Orange, Calf., on March 16, 1942. He graduated with honors with a BS and MS in mechanical engineering from Wichita State University. He married Barbara (Bobbi) May on June 7, 1969. Two years later, they relocated to Illinois where he worked for Caterpillar for 35 years.
Ron May had a passion for sports. He was an avid K.C. Chiefs fan and in retirement he loved to listen to the Chicago Cubs on the radio. However, infinitely more important to Ron and what his life centered around was an unwavering devotion to his wife and family.
The devotion between Ron and Bobbi almost seems like a fictional relationship that a sappy author would fail to describe. In sports there are arguments about who is the G.OA.T.; in marriage Ron and Bobbi’s relationship was the G.O.A.T. Ron served as a faithful Jehovah’s Witness for over 40 years, and their faith in Jehovah propelled and sustained their marriage.
No brief biography of Ron would be credible without referring to his sense of humor and the “laugh;” the laugh gave each friend in the room (and likely nearby rooms) peace as: (1) they were comforted by that soul cleansing sound and (2) they knew Ron May was in proximity.
Ron is survived by his wife Bobbi (Eugene, Ore.) and by his sons Chad May (Eugene, Ore.) and Sean May (Portland, Ore.), his daughter-in-law Leah May (Eugene, Ore.) and grandchildren.
Ron was cremated and an online service will be conducted later this year.
