Buddy Lee May, age 80, of Dixon, was born on January 2, 1946, in the state of Illinois, and passed from this life on Saturday, April 25, 2026 in the Osage Rehabilitation Center, Osage Beach.

He was united in marriage on May 6, 1996, at St. Robert, to Kathy Lane Thompson. Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister, Donna Thompson.

Buddy entered active federal service in the United States Army at St. Louis and served his country until he was honorably discharged at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant.  Buddy was awarded and entitled to wear the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Stars, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Army Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, a Purple Heart, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon-2D Level, the Army Good Conduct Medal-6th, Driver Badge, Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Ribbon-2D, and the Marksman Qualification Badge M16.  A man of excellent character, Buddy's military career and "Honorable Discharge" is a testimonial of honest and faithful service to his country.

Following his retirement from the United States Army, Buddy worked for the Missouri Department Corrections as a guard in Jefferson City.  He enjoyed fishing and gardening.

Those left to mourn the passing of Buddy include: his wife, Kathy of the home in Dixon; five sons, Samuel "Clay" May, Chad May, Toby May, Shawn May, and Michael May; one daughter, Danielle May; one sister, Bobbie Schmidt; numerous grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held for Buddy from 1:00 p.m. until the time of his service at 2:00 p.m., all on Monday, May 4, 2026, in the Martin-Kloeppel Funeral Chapel, Dixon, with Pastor Ryan Anderson, Sheppard Baptist Church, Dixon, officiating.

Interment with full Military Honors will be at 12 noon, Thursday, May 7, 2026, in Camp Butler National Cemetery, 5063 Camp Butler Road, Springfield, Illinois 62707 under the direction of the Martin-Kloeppel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Dixon.

Memorials are suggested per the wishes of the family, with envelopes available at the funeral home on the day of his service or c/o Martin-Kloeppel Funeral Home, P.O. Box GG, Dixon, MO 65459.