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Richard Custer May

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Richard Custer May, 92, of Belleville, Illinois, died on October 21, 2020, at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, IL.

Richard was born on August 12, 1928 in East St. Louis, IL to George P. and Ruby (Custer) May, whom preceded him in death. On August 31, 1953 he married Roberta Lyon of Lake Arthur, Louisiana, who passed away on December 30, 2005. Richard was also preceded in death by a brother George P. May, Jr. and a sister, Marjorie “May” Yund.

Surviving are his:

Richard attended East St. Louis public schools, graduating from East St. Louis Senior High School in June of 1946. He attended Belleville Junior College (now Southwestern Illinois College) from 1946 to 1947. In the fall of 1947 he transferred to Washington University of St. Louis, MO, where he received his A.B. Degree in 1950 and an M.B.A. in 1956. Richard served in the US Army from November, 1950 until discharged in August, 1952. He saw duty in Korea as a Sergeant with the Headquarters Battery, 49th Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Division from April, 1951 to January, 1952. Richard joined State Savings and Loan Association of East St. Louis, IL in 1953, becoming President of that organization in January, 1967 and continued in that capacity until 1980 when he was elected Chairman of the Board of, Illini Federal Savings and Loan Association. In 1990 Illini merged with First Financial Bank of Stevens Point, WI. He remained with this organization as an Executive Vice President for a short time, retiring on June 1, 1990 after completing 37 years of combined service. During his career he held many posts related to his profession. These including Director of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, President of the Illinois Savings and Loan League and Member of the Executive Committee of the United States League of Savings Institutions, among others. He was a member of St. Matthew United Methodist Church and the Gideons International. Richard served with many community organizations during his career, including President of the St. Clair County United Way, President of the Okaw Valley Council, Boy Scouts of America, and Chairman of the Southwestern Illinois College Foundation. He was a long time member of the St. Clair Country Club and the Missouri Athletic Club.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to donor choice.

Visitation: Visitation from 11:00 am – 1:30 pm, Saturday, October 24, 2020 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL

Funeral: Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 pm, Saturday, October 24, 2020 at Kurrus Funeral Home, with Rev. Doug Stewart officiating. Interment will follow at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, IL.

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9 Comments To "Richard Custer May"

#1 Comment By Monica and Bryan Fischer On October 22, 2020 @ 3:20 pm

He was a cool guy and an interesting character. We were lucky to have known him, and we will remember him. Our sincere condolences to those who knew him the best and will miss him the most.

#2 Comment By Jane Goepfert On October 22, 2020 @ 5:37 pm

The Poelker family send their sincere condolences. Both Dick and Roberta were dear friends to my mom and dad, Ben and Marcella Poelker.

#3 Comment By Eddie and Ruthie Anglin On October 23, 2020 @ 5:26 pm

Mr. May was a great neighbor and a really nice man. He always had a smile and a kind word. He will be missed!

#4 Comment By Robert Souders On October 23, 2020 @ 8:37 pm

Richard May was one very fine gentleman. I had the privilege of being his pastor for many years and enjoyed so many conversations with him. He loved his family, his church, his Lord and his country.

#5 Comment By Lou Rose On October 24, 2020 @ 8:55 am

A fine gentleman.. I am proud to have known him at St. Matthews & the Gideon’s.

#6 Comment By Carolyn Parker On October 24, 2020 @ 7:03 pm

Mr. May was a fine gentleman. He always had a kind word and a smile. Kathy and I send our sincerest condolences and prayers for your family.

#7 Comment By richard wimmer On October 25, 2020 @ 1:01 am

My Greatgrandfather started State savings and Loan in E. St. louis and my Grandfather Ed Hissrich hired Dick May. He was a favorite and later became Chairman Of The Board and continued to build the business. My dad served as a Director on the Board and I knew Mr. May as a fine gentleman and golfer. He always had a warm smile and was always an engaging person. He will always be fondly remembered and missed.

#8 Comment By Walt Witkus On October 25, 2020 @ 1:01 pm

Sorry to hear about Dick passing,he was a real gentleman, I was fortunate enough to have known Mister May though the Gideon’s International , and As a St Matthew church member.

#9 Comment By Karen Arbogast On October 27, 2020 @ 2:13 pm

So sorry for your loss.. I was very fortunate to get to know Dick and Roberta for 16 years while cleaning there house. Love them both dearly. Very sweet people. Will miss Dick very much