Robert William May — O’Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home

Robert William May, 81, of Quincy, passed away in the early morning of Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Good Shepherd Home in Golden, IL. “Bob” was born in Baraboo, Wisconsin on May 19, 1943 to Milton and June (Mathews) May Dickow; he had his mother’s amazingly blue, kind eyes.

In his formative years, Bob roamed the lakes, forests and roads of Lake Delton, Wisconsin, later graduating from Wisconsin Dells High School, where he wrestled and played football. After graduating from MATC, Bob embarked on a career that would span over three decades at Fort Dells Amusement Park, where he brought joy to visiting families as a wild west actor – both as Marshall and Black Bart – and later the park’s operations director. His talents also extended to the Wisconsin Dells Greyhound Park, where he served as maintenance director. In 1995, Bob’s path led him to Orlando, Florida, where he would meet Christi (Fantz) May, the love of his life. They united in marriage on November 16, 1996, blending their lives and families in a bond that would flourish for nearly three decades.

Bob’s professional life was characterized by a strong work ethic and a knack for fixing things, traits that served him well as a maintenance technician at several large-scale rental properties, and for friends and neighbors who needed help. He could fix just about anything – or at least believed he could – and his entrepreneurial spirit and love of woodworking shone through when he opened his own business, “Old Man Handyman Service,” which he continued after moving to Quincy, Illinois, until his retirement in 2020. Bob was also witty and fun. In the early 80’s, he lost a finger on his left hand during a woodworking accident, leading to a lifetime of jokes he would tell anytime the topic was a 4 or a 9, raising his fingers as a visual description and telling it like it was his first time.

Bob’s commitment to service extended beyond his professional life. He was a dedicated member of Central Baptist Church of Quincy, where he donated countless hours to the maintenance and upkeep of the church. His generosity and handyman skills also made him a beloved figure in his neighborhood. And, there could never be a corn roast or community event without his signature Bob May bratwurst recipe; he regularly would man the grill for hours on end, cooking brats, telling stories and making new friends.

During his retirement, he found peace in fishing, joy in gardening, and satisfaction in working with wood and hand tools. His social nature shone through in his love for going out to dinner with friends, where he told countless stories that would leave everyone around the table smiling, those blue eyes twinkling with delight. His memory will continue to inspire us to live with kindness, dedication, and a willingness to lend a helping hand.

He was previously married to Julia Gilkerson in 1967, and from that union came his loving children: son Rob May (Stacy) of Maitland, Florida, daughter Amy Lynn May of Orlando, Florida, and son Mathew May (Samantha) of Gold Coast, Australia. Bob’s legacy continued with his grandchildren, Daniel May, Thomas May, Amanda May, Deven Thomas, Mackenzie May, and Cooper May. His great-granddaughter, Lennon May, added another layer of joy to his life. Bob also leaves behind three nephews, Patrick, Scott, and Terry May, who will remember him fondly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Milton May and June May Dickow, step-father, John Dickow and brother, Milton Bennett May, Jr.

Friends and Family are invited to Robert’s Life Celebration at a visitation that will be Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 9:30 am to 11:00 am at O’Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy, IL.

A Funeral Ceremony will be at 11:00 am with Rev. Tim Woodard officiating. Burial will follow at Kinderhook Cemetery in Kinderhook, IL.

Memorials may be made to Blessing Hospice or Tunnel to Towers.

Online condolences may be shared and video tribute may be viewed at www.ODonnellCookson.com.