Russell Lee May of Blackwell, Oklahoma, died Wednesday, March 4, 2009, at the Harris Methodist HEB Hospital in Bedford, Texas, at the age of 89 years.

Russell Lee May was born on February 15, 1920, in Protem, Missouri, to Clarence and Lela Mae (Adams) May. As an infant he moved with his family to Pawnee, Oklahoma, before moving to Blackwell where he attended Star School and Blackwell High School. Following his education he worked various jobs before entering the United States Army serving in World War II and Korean Conflict. He married Erma E. Welch on February 18, 1951, in Blackwell and they settled in Blackwell where he worked for the Ritz Cleaners. He later worked as an operating engineer for Cities Service Gas Company where he retired after 32 years of service. Following his retirement they continued to make Blackwell their home until May of 2008, when they moved to Texas to be near family. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Blackwell. He enjoyed playing his fiddle and guitar and drinking coffee with his friends.

He is survived by his wife, Erma May of Bedford, Texas; a son, Gary May of Bedford, Texas; a daughter, Deanna Mitchell of Towanda, Kansas; a sister, Ruth Dean May of Blackwell, Oklahoma; four grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Donald May.

Services are scheduled for 1:30 p.m., Saturday, March 7th in the First Baptist Church in Blackwell with the Rev. Chester Ward, Director of the Kay Baptist Association, officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Olive Cemetery in Nardin, Oklahoma.

Casketbearers will be Kevin Schmitz, Craig David, Francis May, Howard Mitchell, Keith May, and Brent May.

Honorary casketbearers will be Scott May, David Haney and Cecil Day.