Edwin "Ed" Clinnon May

Edwin “Ed” Clinnon May, son of the late Willard Howard and Willie Pearl (Scott) May, was born March 31, 1916 in Calvert, Texas. Ed, as he was known to his family and friends, began attending elementary school in Ada, Oklahoma and then finished grade school in Fitzhugh, Oklahoma. As a young man, Ed entered the United States Army and served his country during World War II, the Korean Conflict and retired after many years of faithful service. He earned several awards and commendations and had attained the rank of Master Sergeant. On July 9, 1946, Ed was united in marriage to the love of his life, Margarete Helene Gartner in Gelnhausen, Germany. They shared over 65 years of marriage together and were blessed with three children: Rose Linde, Margit “Maggie” and Wilfred “Buddy”. Ed and the family moved to the Fort Leonard Wood in 1959 and decided to stay in the area after his retirement from the military. Ed began working as a civil service “cook leader” on Fort Leonard Wood. In his spare time, he loved his St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. He was an avid fan and loved to watch them on television, listen on the radio or even go to a game now and then. He also enjoyed cooking on the grill for his family when he was able and would have them over every chance he could. Ed enjoyed eating out. It usually didn’t matter which restaurant he was eating at, he very seldom paid for his meals because of the generosity of civilian and military people. Ed would usually have his World War II hat on and everyone would come up and thank him for his service to his county. He was very proud of being able to serve his country. Ed passed away Saturday, July 6, 2013 in the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital of Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri having attained the age of 97 years, 3 months and 6 days. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. Ed leaves to cherish his memory two daughters: Rose Linde Piper of Stockton, CA and Maggie Smith of Lebanon, MO; one brother: Leon May of Terrell, TX; one sister: Reba June Allmon of Amarillo, TX; six grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren (and three on the way); other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Ed was preceded in death by his wife, Margarete May (February 15, 2012) and one son: Wilfred “Buddy” (December 19, 1988). Graveside services with military honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, July 14, 2013 in the Waynesville Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

Edwin "Ed" Clinnon May

March 31, 1916 - July 6, 2013