Freeman R. May

Freeman R. May, 65, of Van Wert, earned his angel wings at 6:56 p.m. Monday, April 20, 2020, at Van Wert Health after a long, courageous 30-month battle with leukemia.

He was born in Defiance on July 16, 1954, the son of William R. May Sr. and Opal (Gribler) May, who both preceded him in death, Freeman was raised by his “mom”, Maxine (Johnston) May, after his birth mother passed away. She also preceded him in death. On July 16, 1983, he married the love of his life, the former Diana Mengerink, who survives in Van Wert.

Freeman had worked for the City of Van Wert until 1985, when he was first diagnosed with leukemia. He had also previously worked for E.W. Mengerink & Sons.

In addition to his wife Diana, Freeman is survived by his daughter, Heather (Greg) Bartal of Tullahoma, Tennessee; a granddaughter, Kharee Bartal; four brothers, William R. May Jr., Roy May, Mike (Joelle) May, and Jeff (Tammy) May; a stepmother, Dorothy May; four sisters-in-law, Cheryl Freeman, Darcy (Hobie) McKeddie, Robin Mengerink, and Tammy (Paul) Cugliari; a stepbrother, Mike Protsman; and his mother-in-law, MarLou Mengerink.

He was also preceded in death by his father-in-law, Robert Mengerink; and a mother-in-law, Jean Mengerink.

Freeman was a member of the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 178 in Van Wert, a former officer with the Sons of the American Legion District 2, a member of the Van Wert County Horseshoe Club, and a member of the former Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 886 in Van Wert who then transferred his membership to Delphos. Freeman was a very active volunteer at the Van Wert American Legion and enjoyed inspecting Van Wert construction projects all around town. He was an avid fan of The Ohio State University and Cleveland Browns, but, most importantly, he loved spending time with his granddaughter, Kharee, and the rest of his family. 

Freeman and his family were very appreciative of the doctors and nurses who provided wonderful care over the past couple years, especially Dr. Sreenivasa R. Nattam, and the volunteers who drove him to appointments and who donated blood.

A celebration of Freeman’s life will be announced at a later date.

Condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com. 

Arrangements are being handled by Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory.