Kenneth May

Kenneth Lee May, 91, of Lavale went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday December 16th 2019.

Born on August 9, 1928 in Frederick MD,  Ken was the son of the late Walter and Edna May.   He was preceded in death by the love of his life and wife of 61 years Elizabeth “Betty” May as well as his sister Arva May Thomas and her husband Bob.

Ken began his working career as a young teen driving for a quarry.  At the age of 19 he began a career as a lineman with C&P Telephone where he remained until he retired as a District Manager.

Ken joined the Maryland Army National Guard at the age of 20.  After twenty three years he transferred to the Army Reserves where he later retired as a Major.   While in the Guard Ken won numerous Marksmanship medals, including several first place awards at the National level.

Ken was extremely active in many organizations. As a young teen Ken joined Independent Hose Company to help out while the men were away fighting in the war.   He served actively with that department until his job with C&P brought him to the Lavale area.  At that time he joined Lavale Volunteer Fire Department.  He served the fire department actively for many years and was a life member.   Ken joined Lavale Rescue Squad and served many roles in that organization including 32 years as squad president.  During that time Ken ran over 23,000 ambulance calls to assist those in need.  Ken also served on several state and county boards and committees.

Ken was a member of Smithsburg Lions Club before transferring to Lavale Lions Club.   He remained a member of Lavale Lions for 60 years.  For several of those years he served as co-chair with John Burkey for the Lions Club Chicken BBQ.

Ken did NOT want flowers.  In keeping with Ken’s living legacy, please honor his memory by sending donations to one of the following service organizations in Lavale: Lavale Lions Club PO Box  3235; Lavale Rescue Squad 977 National Hwy; or Lavale Fire Department 421 National Highway.

Ken is survived by his daughter Jean Elizabeth Smith and husband Bill of Victoria TX, son Walter K May II and wife Diane of Westernport, daughter Jayne May Miller and husband Jeff of Ellicott City MD, Grandchildren Jennifer Nau and husband Jason of Houston TX, Robert May of Lavale MD, Kristina Whetsell and husband Scott of Cumberland MD, Elizabeth Smith and fiancé Gina Cavalcante of Masontown PA, Camille Miller of Boston MA, Matthew Miller of Ellicott City, and great granddaughter  Stephanie Banditrat of Cypress Texas.

He also leaves behind his families at Lavale Rescue Squad and Lavale Fire Department as well as many many friends.

Visitation will be at Lavale Fire Department, 421 National Highway on Sunday December 29th from 11am-3pm immediately followed by the funeral at 3pm.  After the funeral, Ken will be given one final ride through Lavale in Lavale’s ambulance.  Any area companies wishing to participate in this procession, please contact Scott Whetsell at 240-362-5903.

Boal Funeral Home in Westernport is in charge of the arrangements.