William Earl May, 83, of Rexville, passed away at 11:59 a.m., Saturday, April 6, 2019, at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis. He was born near Benham on April 13, 1935, the son of William and Alta Tunks May.

He was married to Phyllis Wright on June 2, 1957, and his wife of 61 years survives. Other survivors include daughters, Deborah (John) Mercer of Jamestown, and Janet (Ron) Linkmeyer of Friendship; grandchildren, Eric (Monica) Adams of Brownstown, Elizabeth Mercer of Greenfield, and Jodi (Patrick) Stockton of San Antonio, Texas; great-grandchildren, Lane, Clara, and Graham Adams, and Riley and Jackson Stockton; and sister, Lora Swinney of North Vernon.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Stanley, Leroy, Russell, and Estol May; and sisters, Lila Zeigler and Evelyn Meek.

Mr. May was a 39-year employee of Bohn Aluminum in Greensburg, where he worked in machine set-up, retiring in 1995.

He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, fishing, woodworking, making corn hole games, gardening, and helping others. Earl was a 71-year member of the Shelby Christian Church and had served as a deacon for 55 years. He had spent last several years serving as the sexton for the Shelby Cemetery and had mowed the cemetery for 13 years. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 10, at the Shelby Christian Church with Tim Heim officiating. Burial will be in the Grandview Memorial Garden near Madison. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and from 9:30 a.m. until time of services Wednesday at the church.

Memorials may be given to the Shelby Christian Church Building Fund or the Shelby Cemetery in care of the funeral home.