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Richard "Rich" May II

November 1, 1953 - May 2, 2021
Mattawan, MI

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Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Taylor's Florist and Gifts
215 E. Michigan Ave.
Paw Paw, MI 49079
(269) 657-6256
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Life Story / Obituary


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Richard May II passed away unexpectedly at his home on May 2, 2021, from complications relating to cancer. Richard was born November 1, 1953, the son of Richard Keith May and Wilma Loomis May. Richard's parents divorced before he turned two years old. He and his older sister, Patricia, were left in the care of their father, who later married Crystal Noble May. Crystal instantly became their Mom and lovingly raised Richard and Pat as her own.

In 1978, Richard and his girlfriend, Kelly, had a baby girl they named Elizabeth. In 2003, Richard wed Debra Yale. Richard loved Deb's family, and had a special place in his heart for Deb's little granddaughter, Carmela. She loved taking walks with Richard at the zoo, hand in hand, and helping him in his garden. Richard and Deb remained good friends after their marriage ended.

Richard was a very talented artist and craftsman. He created incredibly-detailed, handmade replicas of soldered copper motorcycles. Richard worked a good majority of his life in home construction and was very meticulous in his work.

Richard had many hobbies and loved spending time in his garden. He enjoyed hosting friends around the picnic table as the Master Chef of his grill. He loved spending time with close friends, laughing, telling stories and being a jokester with that sarcastic humor of his. (We all knew it!)

But the real love of his life was his 10-year-old Chihuahua/Dachshund/Jack Russell Terrier mix, "Maggie Mae." The two were inseparable. Wherever Richard was, Maggie could be found close behind. Maggie remained loyal, lying by Richard's side without food or water for seven days, until Richard's body was discovered. She is healthy, safe and adjusting to her new life with Richard's brother Tim, and his wife, Shari, but Maggie definitely misses her Daddy.

Surviving Richard are his daughter, Elizabeth May; his mother, Crystal May; his sister, Pat White; his brothers: Steve May and Tim (Shari) May; his sister, Sandra Mann; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, close friends and his Mattawan family. Richard was preceded in death by his father, Richard Keith May; biological mother, Wilma Loomis May; brother-in-law, Michael White; baby niece, Sarah White; and aunts, uncles, and grandparents.

Cremation has taken place. Due to Covid restrictions, a picnic-style memorial for Richard will be held in July. To request a notification when the memorial date is set, please email ShariRolfeMay594@yahoo.com, or send Shari a friend request on Facebook. Family and all friends of Richard are encouraged to attend.

Visit Richard's personal webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com where you are encouraged to archive a special memory, story, or photo, and sign his online guestbook. Arrangements by Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.