Thomas Floyd May, 80, formerly of Van Buren, Mo. passed away at 2:35 pm Tuesday, 11/26/19 in Springfield, MO at The Manor at Elfindale following a lengthy struggle with dementia.  Born February 3, 1939 in Morley, MO to Jasper Creal and Clara Elva (Carlton) May, he was the youngest of 7 children.

Following his high school graduation in 1957, Tom joined the Air Force and was stationed in both Thule, Greenland and later Panama City, Florida.  He was married to Brenda Grissom from 1959 until 1999, and they had two children.  Soon after his honorable discharge from service in 1962 he became an agent for the Missouri Department of Conservation and served the majority of his 37+ year career in Carter County.  He was well known and respected in the area for his work as a game warden and his integrity as an agent.

He loved the beauty of the Ozarks and spent most of his free time boating and fishing on the Current River.  He was a devoted Cardinals fan, enjoyed a good fish fry, basketball and morning coffee with friends at the "liar's table" in the old Float Stream restaurant.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, brothers George May, Charles "Hank" May, sisters Mollie May and Ellen Demko.  He is survived by his son Mike (Brenda) May of Van Buren, MO, daughter Jonna Montileone (Tim) of Springfield, grandchildren Cara Gonzalez (Ryan Becker) of Jackson, Clayton Gonzalez of Republic, Thomas Montileone of Fayetteville, Arkansas, great-grandchildren Cayden Baker, Mia Becker, Crue Becker, Tanner Gonzalez, brothers Jerry May of Morley, MO and Don May of Dexter, MO, and many nieces and nephews who adored him.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Manor at Elfindale and Intrepid Hospice for the kind and compassionate care he received in his final months.  The family is planning a Celebration of Life to be held at a later date.