Van Allan May

Van was born on June 25, 1953 to A.B. and Doris May. Born and raised in Crosbyton, Texas, Van was shaped by the wide-open plains, long horizons, and the kind of values that take root deep and last a lifetime—faith, hard work, humility, and a steady devotion to others.

It was in Crosbyton that he met the love of his life, Cynthia Leigh Dewbre, and married her five years later in 1975. They celebrated 51 years of marriage on March 21, 2026.

Together, they raised their girls in Ransom Canyon until moving to the Lubbock Country Club area in 1998 to be closer to friends, golf, and a late night brandy alexander.

Van May was a deeply respected member of the Lubbock community. He began his career as a CPA after graduating summa cum laude from Texas Tech University. He loved being a Red Raider.

In 1978, Van joined Plains Cotton Cooperative Association. His visionary and service-centered leadership skills flourished there, inspired by his colleagues and mentors and a deep respect for the cooperative model. He was named President and CEO at 39 years old, guiding PCCA through an increasingly prosperous period for the next twelve years until his retirement.

Throughout his career, Van gave generously of his time and leadership, serving on a number of boards and industry organizations, including Covenant Health System, American State Bank, Prosperity Bank, American Textile Manufacturers Institute (ATMI), Cotton Council International, the National Council for Farmer Cooperatives, the Texas Agricultural Cooperative Council, and many Lubbock economic development boards.

But titles never defined Van. What mattered most to him were the people he loved and the life he built alongside them.

He shared a lifelong love with his beloved wife, Cindy, with a romance worthy of the best storytellers. He was a devoted father who rarely missed his girls’ extracurricular events and never missed a chance to be there when it mattered. At home, he would sit by his daughters’ bedsides with a guitar in his hands, singing them to sleep. As a grandfather, he held the same devotion and love for his grandchildren.

A gifted, self-taught musician, Van could pick up nearly any stringed instrument and make it sing. His rich baritone voice filled rooms and brought people together, making him the heart of countless gatherings.

He was loyal to his family, generous to those in need, and a constant presence in the lives of those who knew him—whether through years of early morning coffee with dear friends or by service on various charitable and advisory boards.

Van is survived by his beloved wife, Cindy May; his daughter, Veronica May McCuin, her spouse, Erin Rosser, and son, Van William; his daughter, Valerie May Herrin, and her husband, Adam Herrin, and their children, Lane, Lilly, and Beau; and his sister, Theresa May. He is also lovingly remembered by many extended family members and dear friends.

The family will host a visitation from 5– 7 pm on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers. Services to celebrate his life will take place at 2pm on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the Lake Ridge Methodist Church (4701 82nd St, Lubbock, TX), followed by a graveside service at Crosbyton Cemetery.

Please visit www.memorialdesigners.net for service streaming and to share memories of Van May with his family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his honor to CurePSP. The May family will match all donations made in his name.

Online donations can be made at https://give.curepsp.org/VanMayLegacy

Van’s life was as steady and expansive as the land that raised him. And in the music he shared, the lives he lifted, and the love he gave so freely, his presence will continue to be felt.

We will remember you.