Thomas J. May

Thomas J May, 89 years old, passed away on Monday, September 9th after an extended illness. Fondly known as Tom, Dad, or G-Pa, he is survived by his wife of 67 years Mary Jean (Cobb), three sons: Fred (Owensboro), Gordon and Andy (Evansville), a daughter: Kristi (Hurley) (Fort Wayne) and a brother: Ronald (Evansville). Tom loved his eight grandchildren: Lara May, Brant May, Emily May, Breanne Meyer, Kelci Burnam, Lindsey Abrose, McKenzie May, Lauren May, and five great grandchildren: Ava, Carter, Hannah, Caroline and Marie Frances. Tom was raised on a Spencer County (Lamar) family farm and, after chores, practiced his piano. His love of music would lead him in the pursuit of a degree in instrumental education from Evansville College, now University of Evansville. Tom also played in various dance bands in the tristate area and also played the trombone. Tom and Mary Jean married in 1952 and moved to Knox County where Tom taught instrumental music in Decker Indiana. In 1957 they moved to Evansville where he took the position of instrumental music teacher at the newly built Plaza Park Grade School on the east side of Evansville. In 1960, Tom changed careers and entered the packaging business via a 20 year stay at Bernardin Bottle Cap where he was General Sales Manager. In 1980, after the sale of Bernardin, Tom joined Sunbeam Plastics as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Sunbeam grew rapidly and is now part of Berry Global. Tom retired in 1992 to enjoy his passion of gardening and earned his Master Gardeners Certificate. One of his favorite places was Kentucky Lake where he would boat and sail and enjoy the sunsets over Cypress Bay. Tom continued to enjoy his piano and electronic keyboards his entire life. Nothing provided Tom more joy than time with his family and a family remembrance will be held at Alexander Funeral Home North Chapel to say goodbye. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderNorthChapel.com.