Donald Irvin May Came into this world, November 4, 1936, in Nonpareil, Nebraska, the oldest of three children. At five years of age he moved with his family to Rock Springs, Wyoming, where his dad worked in the coal mine. A few years later they moved to Sheridan, Wyoming where Don attended grade school and two years of high school, later earning his GED. He spent a lot of time in his younger years helping his dad in his auto repair shop.
On September 11, 1953 he married Carrol Bobbitt. In March of 1954 they moved to Birney, Montana where Don worked for Black Lumber Co. now known as Blacks pond. A few months later the sawmill was moved into Ashland, Montana. The Mill changed owners later and was renamed Ashland Lumber Co. Don worked for the sawmill from 1954 to 1968 doing everything from stacking lumber by hand to sawing it.
In 1968 he went to work for the Department of Highway in Ashland. He went without sleep many winter nights to keep the roads safe, or passable anyway, for those needing to travel. He later was promoted to supervisor. While working for the road department and ranching, Don and his sons built the family home. He also spent a lot of time out in the hills with his boys and sometimes daughter during hunting season. He did some carpentry on the side to bring in extra money. He retired in July of 1999. After retirement he continued his hobby ranching with the cattle he had acquired over the years. Like his father he had a love for horses.
He loved his children and made sure they were raised with good work ethic and strong family values and of course his only daughter was the apple of his eye. Even though Don married young he always had a job and made sure his family was taken care of; putting their needs before his own. In his 70’s the Parkinson’s disease began taking hold of his body, he was happy to let the boys take over riding and other jobs.
In February of 2013, because of failing health it became necessary for him to enter a nursing facility. On February 11, 2017, he peacefully left his family and friends to join his heavenly father.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Margaret May; his brother, Richard May; an infant son, Donnie May; and daughter, Roberta Dockendorf.
Don is survived by his wife of 63 years, Carrol May; sister, Ida (Marvin) Brady of Colorado Springs, CO; sons: Vernon (Carolyn) May of Terry, MT, Irvin (Patti) of Colstrip, MT, Nile (Debra) May of Ashland, MT, Dana Dockendorf of Greeley, CO, and Ronald (Sarah) May of Whitefish, MT; 15 grandchildren; and 27 great grandchildren.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Saturday February 18, 2017
Hillside Alliance Church
Ashland, Montana
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Saturday February 18, 2017
Hillside Alliance Church
Ashland, Montana
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Audrey M Snodgrass says
Carrol and family. I am so sorry to hear about Donnie. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Wanda Bixby says
Carroll may God guide you through these next few days and Bless you sending my prayers
John Newcomer says
Condolences to the May family- sorry for your loss.
SALLY A. BORLA says
SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT DON’S PASSING BUT HE IS AT PEACE NOW AND WITH GOD. HE HAD A WONDERFUL AND DEVOTED FAMILY AND ALSO A WONDERFUL, CARING WIFE–CARROL. PLEASE KNOW MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL OF YOUL.
Brenda Hopkins says
Carrol and family, my thoughts and hugs are with you all!!!!
Randy & Cynde Trucano says
Prayers and hugs are sent to you Carol and all your family. Didn’t know Don in his younger day, but sure I seen some of that while he was in the nursing home. Bless you and keeping you in my prayers.
Marlee Bilbrey says
So sorry to hear of Dons passing. He was a very special guy. Carole and family you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Pastor Julie Long says
Carrol and family-Please accept my deepest prayers of sympathy for all of you.
Dan & Sheri Gali says
So sorry for your loss Carrol and family ~ our thoughts and prayers are with you during this tough time.
Quirt and Jaci Phillips says
Carrol, thinking of you and your family! We miss those times in Ashland, life seemed a little slower then. Don an you, never minded the little neighbors girls coming over to pester you. You take care and know that we are here if you need anything.
Alvin and Sharon Wenz says
May family-extending our deepest sympathy in your loss. Keeping you in our prayers!
Michael Speelman and Family says
Carrol, and Family sorry to hear of Don’s passing he was committed to keeping our highways safe and Passable. back in the days of the narrow and dangerous 212. Please except our condolences. Prayers to the family.
Karol Felton says
Carol and family, I am so sorry to read about Don, I have some great memories of your family and I know how he will be missed but I know that he has gone to a much greater place. Sending prayers and hugs to you and your family.
Debbie Bixby and Rand Young says
I have known you and your famil y most of my life. Rand and I send all of our love and condolences to you and your family. Don was a good man and he taught his kids the same values that the two of you shared. May God bless you and keep you in his loving arms. Don has joined our Lord now and he no longer has pain.
Jeff and Linda Hamilton says
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mimi Nickel says
My prayers to all the family. May the Lord give you all the peace that passes all understanding.
Roberta Bement says
Prayers of peace and comfort for his family….always forever grateful, he saved my life when I was in Headstart.
Steve & Lucy Jessen says
Carrol, you have our deepest sympathy. Both you and Don served our community in ways that God only knows. You were good neighbors, and you left marks on both our lives.
Ron and Kathy Hirst says
Love you both, will miss Don and his cheerful personality but know he is in a good place. Looking forward to having you back in Ashland, Carrol.
Cathy and Curt Fleming says
Carrol, you and your family have our thoughts and prayers with you. No matter that he was ill, you always miss a family member when they pass away. May you all find peace with his passing.
Terri L. Coldwell says
Carol,
I am sorry to hear of Don. I have not seen either of you in years but I do have fond memories. I always liked when we would go to Crazy Head Springs and picnic with your family. I remember Don always used to stick his top teeth out at me Ha Ha. Anyway bless you and your family. I am Terri Watson (Max and Grace Watson daughter).