Gerald May

Gerald Benedict May was born on February 12, 1947, in Harlan, Iowa, the son of Nicholas and Adeline (Blum) May. He was baptized and later confirmed at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Panama. Gerald attended St. Mary Catholic School and graduated with the class of 1965. He went on to attend Iowa State University, where he majored in mechanical engineering.

Gerald enlisted in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He completed basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and was later deployed to Thailand, where he worked on road construction, operated heavy equipment, and drove trucks. He was then stationed in Germany for several months before receiving his honorable discharge.

Following his service, Gerald returned to the Panama area and began farming, a vocation he dedicated himself to for more than 56 years and throughout the rest of his life. He had a natural talent for working on machinery and enjoyed tinkering in his spare time. Gerald also took great pride in his large garden, especially the many tomatoes he raised over the years. A private man by nature, Gerald found peace in the outdoors and cherished time spent with family at gatherings.

Gerald passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Elm Crest Retirement Community at the age of 79 years, one month and four days. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law, Lynn May.

Gerald is survived by his siblings: Virginia (Ron) Muenchrath of Harlan, Alice May of Selah, Washington, Lois May of Silverdale, Washington, Nick (Sheila) May of Westphalia, Ken May of Saint Joseph, Missouri and Ron May of Atlanta, Georgia; seven nieces and nephews; two great-nieces and two great-nephews; and other family members and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., with visitation from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., all on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Panama. Inurnment with military honors will follow in the St. Mary Cemetery near Panama. The family will direct memorials.