Michael Cecil May

Michael Cecil May, 79, of Zanesville, died on Monday, December 15, 2025, at home. He was born December 29, 1945, in Columbus, a son of the late Harrison “Doggie” and Betty Jane (Cunningham) May. After graduating from Wellston High School Mike took classes at Ohio University and Xavier University. Mike served our country as an Army Veteran, in service with the 82nd Combat Engineers as an Atomic Weapons Specialist. He was stationed in Bamberg, Germany and on a bereavement call wed the love of his life, “Jane” and they lived in Germany together for a year. Mike was a member of the 79th graduating class of the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy in 1968. Mike proudly served as an Ohio State Trooper for 30 years. He began his career as a trooper in Cincinnati in 1968, later promoting and transferring as a Sergeant with the Zanesville Post in 1974, and ultimately retiring in 1994 from Cambridge District Headquarters as the Commercial Enforcement Coordinator. He spent time as a Police Academy (OPOTA) instructor at Zane State College. Following his retirement, he continued working 25 years for Robert M. Neff Trucking, serving as Director of Personnel and Safety. He was a longtime member of the Masonic Lodge No. 538 in Wellston, Ohio and of the Scottish Rite, Valley of Columbus, and was also a proud member of the American Legion, Roseville Post No. 71. He was deeply involved in his community, serving as president of the Philo Band Boosters and was a member for over 20 years. He also chaired the committee responsible for building the new Philo High School and Power plant. In recognition of his dedication and volunteer service, Mike was honored as a first-year inductee on the Franklin Local Citizens Wall of Honor. Above all of Mike’s work and accomplishments he deeply valued time with his family and grandchildren. He was known for his quick wit, easy laugh, and love of making others smile. Generous by nature, he cherished family vacations, with central Florida being his favorite destination.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Margaret “Jane” (Shook) May, whom he married on July 2, 1966; a son, Christopher (Yolanda Natividad) May; two daughters, Rebekah (Wesley) Archer and Sarah (Adam Kokensparger) May; three grandchildren, Natalie (Bryan Stalter) May, Maggie Archer, and Harrison May; a brother, Jeffrey (Marsha) May; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his sisters in law, Lucia May and Kathy Boyd; and brother in law, Adrian McCoy.

Friends and family may call from 3:00-7:00 P.M. on Friday, December 19, 2025, at the BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME, 1271 BLUE AVENUE, ZANESVILLE with Masonic Service starting at 6:30 P.M. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, December 20, 2025, with Pastor William Blair officiating. Additional calling hours will be held on Sunday, December 21, 2025, from 12:00 NOON – 1:00 PM at McWilliams Funeral Home, 125 E. 1st Street, Wellston, OH. 45692 with graveside services to follow at Ridgewood Cemetery, Wellston.

To send a note of condolence, or to order flowers or comfort food: visit www.bolin-dierkesfuneralhome.com, follow us on Facebook, or call our professional staff at (740)452-4551.