Arthur Thomas May

Click here to view the video tribute. Arthur Thomas May, 74, of Winnebago, Nebraska passed away at his home on Thursday, April 9, 2009. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 14 at 2:00 p.m. at the Ho-Chunk Community Center in Winnebago. A visitation will be held on Monday, beginning at 9:00 a.m., at the Ho-Chunk Community Center and will continue until the time of the service, Inurnment will be at a later date in the Winnebago Indian Cemetery in Winnebago. Arthur Thomas May was born on February 3, 1935 in Lincoln, Nebraska to Jess T and Eva M (Ralston) May. He grew up in Lincoln and graduated from Lincoln Northeast High School in 1953. On June 9 of 1957, he married Barbara Jean Stoehr. He is a 50 year alumni of the University of Nebraska Lincoln earning his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and his Masters degree in Social Work. After college, he was very involved in serving the Lincoln community. He worked at White Hall, a home for children. He founded and directed the Lincoln Action Program in 1965 to provide equal opportunity to the low income and minority groups. He was an Eagle Scout and his Boy Scout experience sparked an interest in the Native American culture; which led to his involvement with the Wacisa Indian Dancers. In 1970 Arthur became the director of the Nebraska Indian Intertribal Development Corporation and moved his wife and six children to Macy, Nebraska. He later worked for the Omaha Tribal Utility Commission and then Midwest Assistance Program. In 1993, Art and Barbara moved to Winnebago, Nebraska. Art and Barbara lived and worked among the Omaha, Winnebago and Santee people the remainder of their lives. Organizations Arthur served included the Center for Rural Affairs, the Winnebago Village Board, Serve Nebraska, Lewis & Clark Scenic Byway committee and many other committees and boards. He was an active member of the First Reformed Church of Macy, Nebraska since 1970. Art leaves family and many friends to cherish precious memories including Miriam May Martin and husband Ken, daughter Martha May Valverde and husband Victor, daughter Mary May Lilley and husband Mark, daughter Melody May Wohlgemuth and husband Robert, and son Matthew May. His 14 grandchildren, Benjamin and wife Lauren, Aaron, Rachel, Joshua, Rebecca, Samuel, Jesse, Danielle, Mark Jeffery, Jonathan, Luke, Lindsey, Cole, and Chelsea will miss him. He is preceded in death by his parents Jess and Eva May, wife Barbara May, sisters Marjorie Marlette and Mildred Schuldt and son, Mark Thomas May.