Gene Edward May

Gene Edward May, age 79, of Billings, Mo., passed away Monday, November 29, 2010. Was born September 25, 1931 in Auvergne, Ark., where he grew up on a farm during the depression and World War II. He was a retired Master Sergeant in the US Army serving from 1948 until 1969, because he loved his country and cared about the future of his country. He served two active combat tours in the Korean War and one in the Vietnam War, each lasting one year. He received numerous Military accolades including the Silver Star, the Air Medal V, and several bronze stars. He also retired from the State of Missouri working for the Division of Employment Security from 1971 until 1991. He enjoyed reading, completing several books weekly, loved children and animals, spending time with family and friends, playing cards and using his computer. He was a member of the Westside Baptist Church in Dexter, Mo. He was preceded in death by his parents, George W. May and Rilla E. May, daughter, Marilyn E. May, one brother, George D. May and one sister, Jewell A. DuClos. He is survived by his wife, Meri May, one son, George D. May, one daughter, Norma J. May, four grandchildren, Christina, Lisa, Julie, and Sara and four great-grandchildren, one brother, James M. May and two sisters, Ruth V. Pace, and Polly A. Hulett. Visitation will be held Thursday, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., in the Walnut Lawn Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral service will be held Friday at 12:30 p.m. in the Chapel. Interment will be at Missouri State Veteran's Cemetery, Springfield, Mo. at 2 p.m. Friday. Online condolences may be left at www.walnutlawnfuneralhome.com.