Joshua Shaun May

Joshua Shaun May, 45, of Peoria, formerly of Columbus, Ohio, passed away on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. He was born on September 18, 1978 in Columbus, Ohio, a son of Rex Messer and Valerie June Hurlburt. Josh married Heather Watkins on June 24, 2018 in Shelbyville. She survives.

He is also survived by his three children, Fen, Jacqueline and Joshua E. May; grandmother, Jacqueline Hurlburt of Peoria; father, Rex (Karen) Messer of Columbus, Ohio; two sisters, Candace Messer of Columbus, Ohio and Amanda (Jeremy) Watson of Las Vegas, Nevada; four nephews, Josiah, Noah and Brayden Messer, all of Columbus, Ohio and Damien Watson of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Josh was preceded in death by his mother.

He last worked as a service clerk for the Uftring Automall in East Peoria. Josh previously worked as a customer service representative for HGS Peoria.

Josh loved his wife Heather very much and was extremely proud to be the father of 3 beautiful children. He enjoyed driving and would take little trips any chance he got. He especially loved taking time to go grocery shopping with Grandma or take his girls for ice cream at Uncle Bob’s. He enjoyed Karaoke nights and wasn’t afraid to get up in front of a crowd. He sang in church when he was younger and was very passionate about music.

Josh made friends easily and people enjoyed being around Josh. He enjoyed listening to Podcasts and being part of several online communities. He liked to share the breaking news regarding politics and wasn’t afraid to let his opinions be known. Josh was very patriotic and supportive of his country. He sought fun and inexpensive places to eat out. Josh always loved his spicy foods and was proud of his high heat tolerance.

Church was very important to Josh and he wanted to have his children raised in the church community so they would know the love of the Lord Jesus the same as Josh did. He was a part of a home church whom he loved and was dedicated to be part of for many years.

Josh's family has arranged a celebration of life service for 11:00 am on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at the Days of Grace Fellowship in Morton. Pastor Steve Sladek will officiate. There will be no visitation.

Cremation has been entrusted to the Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Memorial Fund set up for the family through CEFCU, Heather May FBO the May Family.

Online condolences may be shared with Josh's family at www.Davison-Fulton.com