Merrill T. May

Merrill leaves behind to cherish his memories his spouse of 58 years Shelia Velasquez May, son Merrill Arthur “Art” May; daughter Mary C. May (Jeffrey Dale Seidel); Grandchildren Morgan Rene May Pashen (Brian), Nicole Glend May Umble (Jonathan); Samuel Thomas May; Reagan Dale Seidel and Kelsey Elena Seidel; one great-grandson Glen Thomas Pashen; Sister Mira Jane May LaBeau (Larry); brother Milton Scott May (Brenda Boyd May) and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Merrill meets in Heaven his parents Merrill Glend May and Jane Weaver May.

He was an active member and Elder at Stone Oak Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He was a member of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States, National Guard Association of Texas, Texas State Teachers Association, and the Texas State Rifle Association.

Merrill enjoyed watching high school and college sports and attended the Texas State High School Basketball tournament each year. He looked forward to deer hunting in Mason, Texas with Art. He liked to travel in the US and Europe, was interested in politics, read history and biographies and was always ready to discuss current events. Merrill enjoyed attending performances of the symphony and Cactus Pear Chamber Music. Growing up in rural southern Indiana instilled a love of country music artists such as Johnny Cash and Flat and Scruggs. Upon retirement, Merrill took up golf and was on track to shoot his age when he became ill.

Merrill received a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Angelo State University and a Master of Science in Educational Administration from Corpus Christi State University. He served a combined 25 years in the U S Air Force and Texas Air National Guard. His Air Force career took him to Crystal Springs, Mississippi, Taipei, Taiwan, San Angelo, Texas and Osan, South Korea. His Guard career began with the 149 Fighter Group in San Antonio, Texas. Merrill retired in 2007 with the rank of Chief Master Sergeant while serving as First Sergeant at the Headquarters of the Texas Air National Guard in Austin, Texas.

Merrill played basketball and baseball at Florida Presbyterian College, (now Eckerd college). After two enlistments, Merrill left the Air Force in 1971 in San Angelo, Texas. He began 35 years as an educator, teaching government, history and physical education while coaching football, basketball, baseball and track in Eden, Guthrie and Ralls, Texas. In 1985, Merrill moved from Corpus Christi to San Antonio where he taught math, algebra and geometry at Tom C. Clark High School.

Merrill was a gentleman, sportsman and patriot. Merrill loved his family and took great joy in spending time with the grandchildren. He treasured the memory of walking Mary down the aisle to marry Jeff. Merrill had great respect for the military. He enjoyed interacting with high school teachers and students. He livened up his classes with tales involving Shelia, referring to her as “heavy duty”. He loved the Lord and looked forward to Sunday worship. He assumed the role of greeter at church and gave all a friendly handshake or hug.

A visitation for Merrill will be held Thursday, December 8, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Sunset North Funeral Home, 910 North Loop 1604 East, San Antonio, TX 78232. A funeral service will occur Friday, December 9, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Stone Oak Presbyterian, 20024 Crescent Oaks, San Antonio, TX 78258 followed by a committal service from 1:15 PM to 1:45 PM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the May family.