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Joseph May Obituary
Joseph "Joe" Alfred May, 67, of Belleville, Ill., born Sept. 29, 1941, in Alton, Ill., died Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009, at Memorial Hospital, Belleville, Ill.
Mr. May recently celebrated his 40th anniversary as a radio sports announcer. His broadcasting career started in Sparta, Ill., at WHCO. He then came to Belleville in 1969 and became Sports Director at WIBV. Throughout his career, Mr. May has broadcast games for McKendree College, St. Louis University Bilikens, metro east high school teams, Bel-Clair Speedway auto racing and was host of the syndicated cable television "Whitey Herzog Show" in the early 1980s and editor of the Redbird Review Cardinal Newspaper. His greatest joy was watching his grandkids play football, basketball, volleyball and soccer.
He was preceded in death by his father, Alfred May; and his stepfather, Clyde Wagner.
Surviving are his mother, Mary Margaret, nee Teems, Wagner; his sister ,Jeanie (Bob) Linders; his daughters, Laurie (Scott) Miller, Tina (Ben) Pierce, Christy (Randy) Tedesco; and four grandchildren, Jordan Miller, Austin Miller, Sydney Tedesco and Brooke Tedesco; ex-wife, Elaine (Steve) Clement; and his cousin, Joan Neel.
Visitation: Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009, at Calvary Assembly of God, 611 McClintock Ave., Belleville, Ill.
Cremation was held in accordance to Joe's wishes.
Joe wanted to be remembered by the phrase
"he could take a hit and he played hurt."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph May
Kevin Hieronymus
September 7, 2022
Hi - I'm just coming across Joe's obit after all these years. Just wanted to express my deepest condolences and share my memories of Joe. I grew up a big Cardinals fan and loved Joe's WhItey Herzog Show. As a young sportswriter, I got to meet Joe at old Busch in the mid-80s and he quickly befriended me (I couldn't believe it, this was Joe May). He presented me with the opportunity to write for the Redbird Review and then Baseball Magazine, St. Louis Style. I was in heaven. I have never forgotten Joe's kindness and helpfulness along the way. I'm still going strong in my sportswriting career nearly 40 years later and a lot of it is thanks to Joe. As Jack Buck would, that's (Joe) a winner. God Bless - Kevin Hieronymus, Princeton, IL.
sandra brown
January 30, 2009
I am Joey's aunt and we grew up together and I too was in touch with Joey Overthe last year. We laughed and shared memories about our life and our family. My father which was Joeys' grandfather and he was so proud of Joey, my dad would talk of how he started the ball playing at our grade school in St. Louis Mo. then how proud he was of his sports announcing. The last time we were together we were at my sisters home laughing, talking, singing and rembering past times with his dad and my dad, what a joyful time we had. Im sure there was a reunion in heaven when Joey came in, he was able to be with our lord and all who have went on before him. Joey will be missed and love by the May family as well. my prayers are with his daughters as I know how he loved them. We will meet again, your Aunt Sandy
Rev. Randy N. May
January 24, 2009
I am Joe May’s Uncle Randy. It was always comical for him to call me uncle. We were more like brothers. I always called him Joey. Joey was 12 years older than I me, and the son of my big brother Alfred Taylor May, known as Butch. I remember when Joe lived over me in my parent’s house. Joe took me to my first Cardinals baseball game at Sportsman Park in St. Louis, MO. Joe gave me my first glove, bat and ball. Joe took me with him when he played ball. Joe was a good player. When Joe’s game was over, we would go to a drugstore and we would order a cherry coke and burger. I loved spending time with my Joey. When I worked with Joe on The Whitey Herzog show, for two years, he introduced me to Whitey Herzog, Mike Shannon, Jack Buck, and all the St. Louis Cardinal players. He always introduced me as his Uncle Randy. He always got a kick out of that. I always looked up to Joe as my hero. His dad died when I was only five, Joey took my brother’s place. He loved me and I loved him. From television shows, high school sports and college sports, we traveled all over. Joe was my best friend. We stayed in contact all the way up to the end of his life. Thank God for internet. One thing my Joey taught me…”In life your going to have to gut it up and play hurt.” I will see you again one day in heaven. Like dad would always say, “Heaven will not be Heaven without baseball.” I am sure you are announcing the play by plays. I love you, Uncle Randy! (Rev. Randy N. May)
Lynn Cullen
January 23, 2009
Laurie, Tina & Christy
I am so sorry to hear about your dad and just wanted to let you know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lynn Cullen (Wilmsmeyer)
sheryl stone
January 21, 2009
our hearts go out to you and your family for your loss. Joe shared his love of sports with everyone around him and touched so many lives in many ways he will be forever in our hearts GOD BLESS YOU
Jim and Sheryl Stone II
Jack Browning
January 21, 2009
I worked with Joe and the late Bob Agne at the station formerly known as WINU in Highland. In addition to being a craftsman, Joe was truly a character. No matter what problems he faced, the show always went on. And, in an age of soulless, indifferent corporate media, Joe kept his focus on the people and events in our area.
He was, indeed, a legend.
Mike, Marla, Kaylyn, Kaycie & Marlie Dresch
January 21, 2009
Christy, Randy, Sydney & Brooke~
Your dad/grandpa was such a great guy. He always had a smile on his face and we always loved that!! He was always so kind and caring!! We loved how he ALWAYS came to see his grandchildren play there sports. He was always so positive about them (and there friends) and he always had a way to kept them going and have them do there best. He obviously did not have a mean bone in his body and that is such a great gift that he has passed onto you and your family. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers and will always be there to help out in anyway we can.
Doug McCrary
January 21, 2009
High schools sports were at its best when Joe was broadcasting. To me he just made high school sports so much better. It was always something special to hear him broadcast a game. My sympathies to the family.
Kent Zimmerman
January 21, 2009
I was lucky enough to work with Joe on many high school and McKendree basketball and football broadcasts on radio, internet, and TV over the past 15+ years. Wherever we went, people knew and loved Joe. Everyone greeted Joe with a smile because he had always treated them the same way. Joe always saw the good in people. Listening to Joe talk about his grandchildren, I was sure they would all grow up to be pro athletes! What I will remember most about Joe is his eternal optimism. Joe battled various health problems in recent years, but I never once saw him in a bad mood. He was always confident that better days were ahead. No other person has ever promoted sports in the metro east more enthusiastically than Joe May. What a great life he lived!
Greg Koenig
January 21, 2009
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Debbie Pyszka (Vernier)
January 21, 2009
To All of Joe's Family:
I have so many fond memories of Joe and his family growing up next door to him, as well as listening to Joe on the radio for many years. He was a very special man & will forever be in my heart. My sincere condolences to Laurie, Christy, Tina, Randy, his Grandchildren, as well as everyone else that knew & loved Joe.
Kevin McFarland
January 20, 2009
"Joe May, Good Day"
Our community lost a wonderful man and sportsman in Joe May last Saturday. No one exemplified the spirit and enthusiasm of sport more than he. Upon his arrival as a sports broadcaster to the metro east area in 1969, Mr. May quickly became "the official voice" of local high school and college sports.
Many of us grew up in the 1970's and 80's listening to Mr. May's colorful broadcasts of the big game and top teams on WIBV Radio or local cable. "This is Joe May, good day" was his popular catch phrase that ended his broadcasts. His unique style and vast knowledge of the sport at hand was second to none. Whether it was high school football, local college basketball or American Legion Baseball, he was there to describe the action. As an athlete it seemed he was always there announcing your teams game.
His passion, knowledge and love for covering sports helped entertain his audience as he painted a home-spun picture for all local sports fans to enjoy. His long tenure in the business helped link era to era.
A fitting tribute to this man would be to formaly recognize him at many of the local institutions that he helped promote over the past four decades. A displayed picture or plaque or kind word at an assembly or banquet would be a small token of appreciation bestow on a humble giant of our sports community.
Kevin McFarland
Belleville
My father Bill McFarland and Mr. May were great friends. I can remember sitting in Ponderosa, in a gym or at a stadium countless of times as a youth with my twin brother listening to Joe and Dad talk sports. Because our family was so involved with sports in the 1970's and 80's Mr. May was linked to so many of our memories of the past. From football games at township stadium, to McKendree basketball, to Legion Baseball to countless basketball games; Mr. May was there! A true fan who loved sports and did a wonderful job in spreading his passion and good will. I hope your family realizes what a true hometown hero you had in Joe. He was a passionate, dedicated man who did so much for so many. Over the past year or so I was able to meet Mr. May at his favorite lunch spot and witnessed his love and care for his Mother and pride in his grandkids. God bless "Joe May, Good Day"
Shawn Powell
January 20, 2009
The voice of Joe May was one of the very reasons I followed a path into the great sport of Basketball. I used to huddle around the radio (as a young child) in the 70's and keep score of every game he covered. I have had an extremely fortunate career in professional sports (17 years- MLB, NBA, etc.) and Joe May was instrumental in leading me on my path. Joe- you will always be my all-time favorite play-by-play man. Thank you.
Greg Snyder
January 20, 2009
I met Joe at WIBV the first radio station I worked in the mid 80's. He gave me the chance to broadcast both football and basketball games. Over the years of working at different radio stations and cable tv I was continously running into Joe at high school sporting events. Sometimes he was broadcasting for radio and sometimes for cable but he always had a mic in his hand and a smile on his face. Thanks for the memories.
Mike Kelly
January 20, 2009
To the family,
Joe was my one of my heroes growing up. As a young athlete growing up in Dupo, I
listened to his calls of many a high school game. I was always impressed with his ability to paint a picture for the listening audience. One of his most famous calls was in 1979, when Illinois beat
Magic Johnson and Michigan State at
Assembly Hall, on "Eddie Johnson's
baseline jumper"! A terrific call!
Later as a player at BAC, and a broadcaster at KMOX I had the chance to spend some time with Mr. May! He was a gentleman!
His work, helped inspire me to join his profession!
My deepest sympathy!
God Bless you all,
Mike Kelly
"Voice of the Missouri Tigers"
Dr. Mike Dreith
January 20, 2009
Heaven's radio station just got better.
Shane & Jessica May
January 20, 2009
We are very sorry for your loss. Joe was a wonderful man with a big heart. We will miss him.
Kevin Burns
January 20, 2009
I believe Joe broadcast our high school games when I was a senior at Althoff for the 1969 football year. My aunt taped every game on an old reel to reel tape recorder putting the mic next to the radio. Those were great experiences brought to life by Joe.
Thanks,
Kevin Burns, ACHS 1970
Dean Mitts
January 20, 2009
Christy, Randy, Sydney, & Brooke,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I feel so fortunate to have met and spent time with Joe. He was such a fun person to be around. Like everyone, I loved to listen to all the great stories of local sports legends. I know I'll think of Joe every time I watch Sydney and the girls play.
Dean, Diane, Alison, & Rachel
January 20, 2009
Papa Joe Daddy-O,
I will miss going to Ponderosa with you all the time and watching the ducks when we drive by. I will ALWAYS ALWAYS think about you.
Love,
Brooke
January 20, 2009
I'm so very sorry grandpa that you had to go. My basketball games will never be the same. I will NEVER stop thinking of you. Kaylyn and I will miss you taking us to McKendree basketballl camp this summer camp and going to get pizza afterwards. You willl always be in my heart. I miss you! GO WOLF BRANCH!
Love,
Sydney
Randy Pierce
January 20, 2009
My professional encounters with Joe May were numerous, through the Journal newspapers, WIBV radio, later with the Redbird Review and much more. He was the consumate local sports ambassador and such a devoted advocate of high school and college level athletics. When people are as dedicated to what they do as Joe was, you can't help but have great admiration for them. He certainly left his mark on this region and will always be truly missed. There will never be another one like him. His family has my deepest sympathy.
Dennis Harper
January 19, 2009
To All of Joe's Family,
I am truly sorry for your loss and know that his passing is a loss for Southern Illinois Sports. To me, Joe was Metro-East Sports. The few years that we worked together were major highlights in my career.
Denny Rittenhouse
January 19, 2009
The Metro East has lost a legend. I grew up listing to Joe on WIBV and then had the pleasure of working alongside Joe broadcasting football and basketball with him at WINU in Highland. The time Joe and I spent doing The Metro East Sports Report nightly on WINU I will forever treasure. He truly had a sincere passion for the High School game, and he loved to reminisce about the old days. I am glad I knew Joe, he will be missed. God Bless his family and friends.
Kelly Easton
January 19, 2009
Christy, Randy, Sydney and Brooke,
I am so sorry for your loss. I will be thinking of you all. I know that he will be missed by so many...he was a wonderful person. I'm so sorry. You're in prayers. Love, Kelly Easton and Family
Paul Baillargeon
January 19, 2009
I grew up listenening to Joe May on Thanksgiving day football games , on WIBV . Belleville West and East Side . Them were the days ! He did paint a picture of what the game was all about . As I got older I became involved in photography and was interested in shooting for his Red Bird Review . Joe Hired me and I shot for the magazine the last year or two . It was a big break for me to understand the workings of a big time enviroment . I know I thanked Joe then , but I will again . Thanks Joe for your help . To his family I am sure you find find out there were a lot of people Joe helped along the way of life , through sports . He truly loved covering the student athletes in the Metro Area .
Dolores Teems Benson
January 19, 2009
Dear Margaret, So sorry to hear of your loss. I remember Joey as such a nice youngster when you would come to our home in Missouri to visit. I never knew him as an adult but can tell his friends thought of him the same way. Our sympathy is with you at this sad time. your Cousin Gene and Dolores Teems Benson
Sally Davy
January 19, 2009
Christy, Tina and your families
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Chuck Trent
January 19, 2009
Joe May was the epitome of the chher leader and drum major for at least two generations of southwestern Illinois youth. I worked a few games with Joe but I worked a lot more along side of him at different radio stations when we were both covering the same event.
I was so proud when I was inducted into the Illinois Basketball coaches' Hall of Fame, just as Joe had been. He got me involved at WIBV in 1977 with his "Sports Boosters," program, which was and is a great concept, which helped me develop my "Spartan Sports Service." Indirectly because of some of the people to whom he introduced me to, I was able to do the Belleville East Lancers football cable TV telecasts when my daughter was the Lancer Drum major in the middle 1990's, a privilege I will always treasure. Joe was always trying to help anyone he could. The exposure I got from writing in his "Sports Weekly," and the "Redbird Review" has endured to this day. He touched many lives and made them better. The sports community of Metro East & Illinois in general is poorer for Joe's passing.
May you be comforted by our Lord's promise of comfort for all those who mourn.(Matthew 5)
Jude Hopper and family
January 19, 2009
Just in case I dont get back in town tomorrow to tell you in person, I just wanted to let u know u are in our prayers. My dad Joe Hopper and your dad go way back. I remember when your dad did the Althoff games back in 79 and 80, i always sounded like the star, because if your dad could'nt read the players number, he would always say, " # 68, Jude Hopper in on the tackle". Your dad made me the legend I am today. He was great guy guy, always picked up my day whenever i saw him, his voice is unforgettable.
Bruce Veach
January 19, 2009
As you know I worked with Joe on may different projects over the years. I viewed Joe as a mentor who would do whatever he could to make sure the young athletes of our area recieved their coverage. I will miss Joe's unqiue style and his friendship. To his grandkids I can ensure you he was so pround of you. Thanks for the memories Joe
Clyde Teems
January 19, 2009
So sorry to hear about the passing of my cousin, Joey.
Clyde (Sonny) & Rose Teems
P.O. Box 668
St. James, MO 65559
Chip & Kathy Gray
January 19, 2009
Christy, Randy and Family,
We are very sorry to hear of your loss. I have listened to many of Joe's broadcasts for a lot of years. He was great. You and your family will be in our prayers.
Scott Cummings
January 19, 2009
I had the extreme good fortune to broadcast alongside Joe at McKendree football games for several years. His style was unique, very folksy, and you could hear his passion for the sports and the student-athletes he was talking about. He loved what he did, but he loved his family even more. Every meeting with Joe brought another story about junior high football games and indoor soccer at the Sportsplex. Thanks Joe for all the memories, good times and friendship. You will be missed here at McKendree.
Scott Cummings, SID, McKendree University
Kelly (Patridck) Costello
January 19, 2009
I'm very sorry to hear about the passing of your father. Your family will be in our prayers.
Wayne Loehring
January 19, 2009
Joe was truly a sports icon in and around Belleville and the Metro East area. He really had a passion for basketball and was a great broadcaster. Joe covered alot of Lebanon High School games in the 1970s and 80s. My sympathies to the family.
Wayne Loehring
St. Louis, MO
Alan,Nicole,Jordan and Montana Sinn
January 19, 2009
Christy, Randy, Sydney and Brooke,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Joe was such a sweet man, loving father and devoted grandfather. He will forever be in your hearts and minds.
Les Frisse
January 19, 2009
To his family, I had the pleasure of working with Joe on the Redbird Review and also played softball with him on Randy's Sports bar and Reastaurant. Please know that I have all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Frizz
Clayton and Rebecca Scheibel
January 19, 2009
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
JOAN NEEL
January 19, 2009
I'm so glad Joe was my cousin, although he was more like a brother. He brought so much love and sunshine with him, where ever he went. We had many happy hours of watching sports together and having heart to heart talks. I'm thankful to God for our many happy times together.
Love, Joanie
Joe English
January 19, 2009
My deepest sympathies to you all,
Joe and I go way back, doing legion games together, reports when I was a trainer with the baseball Cardinals, and Belleville Area College. Joe was surely an ambassador for all of the area sports, thru his magazine, and his early days with WIBV - I remember him and I scrounging money from local businesses to air Belleville Legion games, and early success in the BAC Programs. You will be in my prayers.
Les Weatherford
January 19, 2009
My sympathy to the May family. I worked with Joe at WIBV in the late '70s and early '80s, and he was a good guy.
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