Jonathan R. May

Jonathan May passed away in the loving arms of his wife and family at Promise Regional Hospital in Hutchison, KS on March 24, 2009. Jon was born on October 20, 1981 in Beloit, KS.
Jonathan grew up on the family's farm just north of Tipton, KS. He graduated from Tipton High School in 2000. While in high school he was a member and officer in the National Honor Society and was the Wendy's High School Heisman Award winner for the state of Kansas. He was a four-sport letterman and earned a medal at state golf and was selected to play in post-season All-Star games in both football and basketball. He was captain of the Scholar Quiz Bowl Team that went to State and earned numerous gold medals at state forensics competitions. He was Senior Class President and won the National Wild Turkey Federation's local, state, and national scholarship.
Jonathan attended Fort Hays State University where he graduated with a degree in Geosciences with a Leadership Certificate. While at FHSU he played on the Varsity Baseball Team, was on the Dean's List, and interned with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. After graduation Jon attended the Medical University of Ohio in Toledo, OH. He graduated with a Master's Degree in Public Health Epidemiology in December of 2008.
Jon was an avid outdoorsman. Jon was always on the lookout for prime hunting and fishing areas and loved to spend time with his family and friends outdoors. He enjoyed the camaraderie and banter of a good fish story or a good hunt. At any family gathering he would be found in the center of a game of cards and more times than not he would be winning.
In 2006 Jon was diagnosed with Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma Cancer. Through Jon's struggle he traveled to 15 hospitals in 9 states. He also had the privilege of having an audience with Pope Benedict XVI on a pilgrimage to Europe, met with the New York Yankees, was on the sidelines for a Notre Dame football game, and made friends everywhere he went.
Jonathan's dream of having a family of his own was realized when he met the love of his life in August 2007. They were united in marriage on October 18th, 2008 on the campus of Notre Dame. Through their abiding love in each other, they were able to fight through the pain and hardship that came with his disease. The strength they found in each other's arms is an inspiration to all. Although their time together was short, the love they shared allowed them both to experience life beyond their years.
Jonathan's commanding legacy lives in the hearts of thousands of people he touched with his strength and grace. The field of oncology has been transformed by his energy, dedication, research, and commitment to helping others. What happens now to the medical world, Jon's family and friends depends on what we do with what he has left for us. Pass the kindness forward, fight each battle with grace and dignity and never, never, never give up.
In lieu of flowers the family is asking that money be donated to the following funds that have been established in Jonathan's honor: The Jonathan May Memorial Scholarship Fund, The Jonathan May ASPS Cancer Research Foundation, or Tipton Catholic High School.

A funeral mass will be at 10:00 AM Saturday, March 28 at the St. Bonifcace Catholic Church in Tipton. A vigil service will be at 7:00 PM Friday a the church. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the McDonald Funeral Home, & from 4:00 PM to vigil service time at the church.