Lawrence Eugene May

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Lawrence May on November 26, 2023. Lawrence was a paragon of virtue, embodying humility, honesty, fairness, kindness, and the essence of hard work throughout his life.

Lawrence Eugene May was born on March 27, 1933, in Delhi, Louisiana to the late Hayward May and Alma Back. Lawrence grew up in Delhi, Louisiana with his 11 siblings. He is predeceased by his sisters Barbara Davis, Jacqueline Mitchell, Pauline May, Ozzie Lee May, Robertine McCaa, and his brother Michael Flood. He is survived by his siblings Caldwell Flood, Hazel Jackson, Katie Fluker, Patricia Flood, and Calvin Flood. Lawrence graduated Valedictorian of Richland Parish Training School (Louisiana, 1950), and went on to attend Southern University (Louisiana). Lawrence graduated from Southern with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education (1954). He also earned a Masters in Education from Sol Ross University (Texas, 1976).

In 1963, Lawrence answered a letter from a young single nurse from Aurora, Illinois. And after 4 years of letter writing and long-distance phone calls, Lawrence asked Marlene Lucretia Hayden to be his wife. On August 5, 1967, Lawrence and Marlene were married at St. James Methodist Church in Chicago, Illinois.

Lawrence was a man of remarkable accomplishments. After graduating from Southern University, he had a distinguished career in the United States Army, spanning 22 years of unparalleled commitment and earning a rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His meritorious service in the United States Army was recognized with honorable accolades, a testament to his dedication and resilience. After retiring from the US Army, Lawrence dedicated 39 years of service to the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC). LTC (Ret) May served as the Senior Army Instructor at Bowie High School from 1976-1982, and then as the Director of Army Instruction for the El Paso Independent School District from 1982 until his retirement in 2015. His 39 years of service earned him the Commander’s Award for Public Service and the Outstanding Civilian Service Medal for “tirelessly developing a program that prepared children to transition from good students to great citizens.” In total, Lawrence May dedicated 61 years of service to the United States Army, making a “tremendous impact” that “greatly benefited our Nation… the US Army Cadet Command… the US Army… and every student he made contact with.”

Lawrence left an indelible mark on this earth through his teachings and philosophies. He firmly believed in the sanctity of relationships and the importance of nurturing these connections. His emphasis on the critical role family plays in one's life was always evident in his interactions with those around him. Lawrence was a firm believer that being a person of your word was the most honorable trait to possess, a philosophy that guided his actions throughout his life.

He leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love and never-ending support, elements he instilled in his relationships. His profound impact will continue to resonate in the hearts and lives of those he touched. Lawrence is survived by his beloved wife, Marlene, his daughters, Bethany May-Dixon and Monica May-Colson, his sons-in-law James Dixon and Harold Colson, his grandchildren Lawrence Michael Dixon, Victoria Alyse Dixon, Hayden Bethany Colson, and Xavier Lewis Colson, as well as his great-grandson Solo Latrell Dixon, along with a host of other nieces and nephews who carry forward his teachings and memories with love and reverence.

The loss of Lawrence is deeply felt by all who knew him. His influence and spirit will forever persist in our memories. His dedication to service, love for his family, and the immeasurable wisdom he imparted on those around him will serve as enduring inspiration for all. Rest in peace, Lawrence May, you will be profoundly missed