Kenneth Gene May
January 1, 1941 — July 20, 2024

Ken May died peacefully at home on July 20, 2024, after a long illness. Ken was born in Marshall, Mi on January 1, 1941, to Allison and Mildred May. Ken graduated from Marshall High School in 1959. Ken had many accomplishments growing up in Marshall. In High School, he was Student Council President and Senior Class President. He was very active in the church his parents founded. Most importantly, his love for sports of all kinds emerged. Football was his favorite and was all state for two years, and it became an enduring central part of his life.

Heading for college, Ken was heavily recruited by many schools before eventually selecting Michigan State, where he played on the Football Team until he experienced a career ending injury. After recovery, Ken participated in football as a coach under head coach Duffy Doherty. He earned a degree in Physics & Physical Education and minor in Math, earning a dual teaching certification. During this time, he began his adventure with the love of his life, Cindy (Perrett), which lasted for sixty-one wonderful years.

After graduation, Ken began teaching at Okemos High School. Eventually he was recruited by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals and was offered a position in Traverse City and became a very successful drug salesman for the company. Pfizer then offered Ken an advancement opportunity in a larger city, but he refused to leave Traverse City. He switched careers returning to teaching and coaching football at Traverse City Senior High. He had a unique teaching style due to his business acumen and experience. The kids loved him for it. Teaching was the career he loved, and coaching is what he found the most rewarding.

Knowing Ken's background and interest in football, Coach Ooley asked Ken to help with filming the high school's football games. That lead to becoming an assistant coach alongside Roger Wood. Roger and Ken had a symbiotic relationship; they knew what the other was thinking on the field allowing them to master the art of coaching during games. Later Ken became head coach. He was a compassionate and sensitive leader helping his players through all types of challenges. We know he loved coaching and football, yet he also found great reward in helping others.

All who knew Ken will agree that he loved a good laugh. He had a sharp sense of humor and was the expert in practical jokes. He thoroughly enjoyed the Breakfast Club with his friend's sharing many stories and laughs. He was also a prolific reader of a variety of topics, with a passion for nature, science, and birds. He loved gardening but hated tomatoes. The mystery of why he would never eat chicken or turkey went with him. He loved sailing and was Commodore of the Grand Traverse Yacht Club. He was loyal and devoted to his wife and family.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, son, Martin (died May 19, 2024), and daughter-in-law, Katrina (Shelley) May.

Ken is survived by his wife, his sister Jewell (May) Palmer, and his children Kimberly May (Patrick Blashill) and Andrew (Carrie)May; grandchildren Margueritte and Samuel Blashill, Andrew and Reagan May and Maisey/Mylo May.

A celebration of Life for both Ken and Marty will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 3:00 pm with visitation beginning one hour prior in the gardens at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society in honor of his son, Martin.