Kent Montgomery May

Kent Montgomery May, born on March 25, 1937, left this earth on June 26, 2024 after enduring Alzheimer’s for over fifteen years. Even in his last days, he was loving, kind, polite, patient, witty, and impacted others. Kent was born in Topeka, KS to Lark Dewitt May and Gwendalene Marie (Willson) May.

Kent was an avid lover of airplanes. As a child, he sat on the steps of his front porch and flew many military missions. He followed his passion and became a pilot in the US Airforce. During the Vietnam War, Captain May flew 100 reconnaissance missions over North Vietnam in the R4FC. He was awarded 2 silver stars. Prior to becoming a pilot for the USAF, he was a navigator and a radar intercept officer. He concluded his military service as a National Guard Recruiter.

Kent was an officer and a gentleman with a heart for helping others. He and his wife, Judith May, were the founders of a transitional foster home for children in need in Rogers, AR called “Our Farm”, later renamed “The May House” in their honor. Our Farm provided love, security, and a home to countless children. Kent and Judy served as the house parents for almost two years. When they no longer could be house parents due to the birth of their surprise baby girl, they adopted or fostered five of the children from Our Farm. They had a total of nine children including their four biological ones. Kent was a devoted and beloved patriarch.

His desire to help others was also seen in his roles as a probation officer and the director of Jobs for the Future (JFF). JFF helped young people at risk and / or low-income backgrounds break down barriers and prepare for careers that offer opportunities for economic advancement. They did this through paid work-based learning and mentoring programs.

Kent loved spending time with his family and friends, building and flying airplanes, taking cruises with his beautiful woman, restoring Model A Ford antique cars, dancing, and playing cards and games.

He is preceded in death by the eternal love of his life, Judith May, his daughters Ella Pierson and Laura May, his mother Gwen (Wilson) May, his father Lark May, his brother Don May, and his grandson Joshua Pierson.

Kent is survived by his children Kevin May, Kathy Carmody, and Rachel Adair, fourteen grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, one great-great-grandbaby, and brothers-in-law John Metcalf and Steve Metcalf.

Visitation and funeral will be held Saturday, July 6th at Rollins Funeral Home located at 1401 W Hudson Rd, Rogers, AR 72756. Visitation will be from 12:30pm – 1:30 pm. The service will begin at 1:30pm with graveside services with military honors at St. Vincent Cemetery to follow. Those who wish to make memorial tributes, please send donations to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund or Circle of Life in honor of Kent May.