Robert (Bob) Gene May, 83, passed away peacefully on the morning of February 23, 2025 at Copper Canyon Alzheimer's Special Care Center in Tucson, AZ due to complications from Frontotemporal Dementia. He faced this relentless disease with the same courage, dignity, and warm smile that defined his life, always supported by his beloved wife of 60 years, Barbara as they "got through it together." A memorial service will be held at 10:30AM, Friday, May 30, 2025 at Living Springs Church in Brandon, SD.

Bob was born on June 21, 1941 in Madison, SD, the eldest child of Dorothy (Volkert) and John May. Raised on a farm near Colman, SD, he attended country school, where one teacher noted his potential though he "talked too much in class," a tendency that he would pass on to at least one of his children. After his father's passing, his mother remarried and the family moved to Whitewood, SD, where Bob's natural curiosity and love of the outdoors led him to exploring the Black Hills. The family later returned to Colman, and Bob graduated from Colman High School. Following graduation, he proudly served in the U.S. Army, was recalled during the Berlin Crisis, and was Honorably Discharged.

Bob settled in Colman, SD where fate and a mutual friend introduced him to his lifelong companion, Barbara Golay. They married in June 1964 and settled in Colman, SD where they built a home for their family. Bob lived by the values of hard work and perseverance. He launched three business ventures including May Construction, which he built into a thriving enterprise. Through it, he mentored many young men, helping them to forge meaningful lives. Bob sold the business and retired in 1995. He and Barb decided that they had lived through enough South Dakota winters and they began wintering in Tucson, Arizona.

An avid reader, Bob could be found reading whenever he had the chance. He was also known for his love of sweets, making many meals of whatever he found in the cookie jar. He loved travel, embarking on two grand tours of Europe and he nurtured hobbies including golf, fishing, ice fishing, hunting, gardening, hiking in the Tucson Mountains with his trusty companion Clarence, and playing cards with friends. Known for his warm greetings, sharp insights, and kind words; Bob was a social soul- always entertaining guests and cherishing time with family and friends. He especially treasured having his grandchildren nearby, delighting in their activities and watching them grow.

Bob is survived by his devoted wife Barb; children: Jeff May, Florida; Terri (Brett) Bastian, South Dakota; Andy (Stephanie) May, Minnesota. His grandchildren: Keanan (Haley) Bastian, Abby (Jackson) Butler, Alex May, Caleb Bastian, and Logan May. Sisters: Ruth Brende and Kathy Brenden. Step-mother: Viola Wangberg; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, second cousins, step-cousins, and their children; all whom he loved and spoke of often with fondness. He is preceded in death by his Father and Mother, Stepfather: Ole Wangberg; and brothers: James and Kenny Wangberg and Ray, Martin, and Richard May.

Memorials will be directed to a Memorial Garden planned for Copper Canyon Alzheimer's Special Care Center in Tucson, Arizona.