Robert D. May

Robert D. May, 76, of Smithton, was received into the arms of Jesus in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family, on Thursday, January 25, 2024.

Robert, fondly known as Bob, was born to Ernest Thomas and Carrie Ellen (Cook) May, on January 3, 1948, in Pettis County, Missouri. On November 22, 1969, he married the love of his life, Phyllis Lynn Burnett. They were blessed with two children, Jana and Justin, who completed their lives.

Bob was a 1966 graduate of Smithton High School. He retired from Alcan Cable in 2010 after 43 years of service. He called that his “day” job because the time after his workday ended is what brought him joy.

He was a member of Hopewell Baptist Church and lived his Christianity by being a very kind and humble man who took pleasure in the simple things like spending time with his family and many friends and being outdoors. He loved to fish, camp and hunt. He and his son were falconers, traveling together to hunt their birds throughout the Midwest. Robert had a lifelong love of horses and through 4-H horsemanship met his future wife, Phyllis. They rode horses together throughout their lives. Bob taught his children how to ride horses and the family went on frequent adventures together. He worked as a farrier for many years, shoeing show horses at stables in Missouri and Kansas and then for customers around the mid-Missouri area. He was thrilled that his grandchildren shared in his passion for horses and began teaching them how to be a farrier. He was also a talented taxidermist for many local hunters.

Bob was a smart and talented man that could build and fix anything. He built the home he and Phyllis raised their family in and was a self-taught leather craftsman who spent countless hours mastering his art. His home is filled with handcrafted pictures and examples of his workmanship. He made custom holsters, knife sheaths, hunting gear, and built and repaired saddles and horse tack for many years. Bob was excited to teach his grandchildren the basics of leather work and watch them progress. He and Phyllis filled their home with unconditional love and acceptance and impressed upon his children and grandchildren the importance of being a compassionate and generous helper.

Robert is survived by his wife, Phyllis, and their two children, Jana May, of California, and Justin (Michelle) May, of Sedalia and their children, Abram, Elsie, and Adler. He is also survived by his sister, Linda (Hugo) Dennis, of Sedalia; and brother, Ernest R. (Vicki) May, of Sedalia.

He was preceded in death by his parents and infant granddaughter, Sarah Marie May.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 28, 2024 at Heckart Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 29, 2024 at Heckart Funeral Home, with Rev. Dan Dickey officiating.

Casket bearers will be nephews Sam Burnett, Jacob Bailey, Jeremiah Bailey, Michael McClain, Jason McClain and Bryan McClain. Honorary bearers will be Patrick Burnett, Rusty Lane, Hugo Dennis, Marvin Logan, Russel Cusick and Robert Engles.

Burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Bothwell Regional Health Center Foundation, in care of the funeral home.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Gabriel Anders, Dr. Henry Marquez, and the nurses and staff of the Progressive Care Unit at Bothwell Regional Health Center for their exceptional care.