Donald G. Bub May

View Don's Video Memorial Donald G. “Bub” May, 81, of Galesburg, died at 8 p.m. Friday, September 13, 2013 at Toulon Health Care, Toulon. Don was born August 1, 1932 at home in rural Mason County, Illinois, the son of Charles and Susan (Simpson) May.  He married Julia Billeter on October 19, 1957 in Macomb.  Don is survived by his wife of 55 years, Julia of Galesburg; two sons, Randy T. (Mardell) May of Maquon and Raymond M. (Debbie) May of Galesburg; one daughter, Donna S. (Don) Miles of Galesburg; one brother, Clarence E. May of Pekin; and two sisters, Vera “Toots” Price of Morton and Erma F. Dornberger of Peoria.  Don is also survived by four grandchildren, Reece and Riley Miles, and Taylor and Chandler May.  He was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters and three brothers. When Don was 16 he began a long work career.  He first started working on a barge line.  He then was drafted in to the US Army in 1953.  He proudly served for two years.  When he was discharged from the Army he began working for the Burlington Northern Railroad.  His career with the railroad lasted 23 years.  He retired on May 18, 1978.  While working for the railroad Don also farmed.  He operated his farm for 27 years, from 1964 to 1991.  In 1991 Don quit farming the land himself and rented the farm until 2011 at which time the farm was sold.  When Don retired from farming he still enjoyed working so he started trucking.  He operated a truck from 1992 until he ultimately retired in 2000.  Although working was his life he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his brothers when he was younger.  He also loved gardening and tinkering with machinery, especially tractors.  Don was also a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Funeral Mass for Don will be 10 a.m. Saturday, September 21, 2013 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.  Rev. Msgr. Ernest Pizzamiglio will officiate.  Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home, Galesburg.  A prayer service will be held following the visitation at 7 p.m.  Cremation rites will be accorded following the funeral mass and burial of cremated remains will be at a later date in St. Josephs Cemetery, Galesburg.  Memorials in Don’s memory may be made to Prairieland Animal Welfare Center, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, or to the Alzheimer’s Association.