Previous Services

Chapel: 11:30 a.m.

Houston National Cemetery: 12:45 p.m. (In Procession)

Military Honors Presented By:

United States Army

Houston Honor Guard

On November 24, 2024, William Lester May, known as Bill, age 79 of Houston, Texas made it home to his heavenly Father.

Bill was born to Leah Bernice Hotz and Ira Theodore May, the fourth child of six. At the age of 18, he met his sweetheart of 59 years, Mina Marie Anderson, and married her on October 1, 1965. In 1968, he was called to serve his country in the US army and fought in the Vietnam War. He rose to the rank of sergeant earning two bronze stars of valor and a purple heart. After serving his country, Bill then went on to graduate from the University of Houston with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, being the first in his family to do so. He instilled the importance of education in his children wanting a legacy of that to carry on into his grandchildren. Most of his career as an engineer was with Reed Tool Company later known as NOV. Bill was a dedicated member of Advent Presbyterian church serving as an elder, youth sponsor, and many other capacities. Bill was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Bill loved camping with his family, designing and building things, reading the Reader’s Digest, and anything scientific. He left behind fifty years’ worth of patent ideas.

Bill will always be remembered for being a faithful servant of God, for his love and devotion to his family, for his words of wisdom, and willingness to help others.

Bill was preceded in death by Father, Ira Theodore May, mother, Leah Bernice May, and sister, Karen Scott

Bill is leaving behind Wife, Mina Marie May, daughter, Stefanie Marie Gore, son, William Kevin May, son, Michael Shawn May, son, Bryan Roy May, son-in-law, Jerry Gore, daughter-in-law, Debbie Baker, daughter-in-law Fawn May, granddaughter, Brittney Megna, granddaughter, Blaire Baker, granddaughter, Danielle Harding, grandson, Luke Baker, grandson, Alex May, grandson, Eli May, granddaughter, Mckenna Lee, granddaughter, Isabella May, grandson, Noah May, great granddaughter, Ava May, great granddaughter Annalise May, great granddaughter, Emma Megna, great grandson, Dawson Harding, sister, Sharon Nixon, brother, Theodore May, sister, Kathy Eriksen, and brother, Steven May.

To Bill we say, your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.

Bill’s celebration of life will be held at:

Veteran’s Funeral Services

10567 Veterans Memorial Drive,

Houston, TX 77038

at 11:30 AM with graveside at 12:45 PM.

Following the service, lunch will be provided at

Advent Presbyterian Church

903 Spring Cypress Rd, Spring, TX 77373

In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to Advent Presbyterian Church, a place he greatly loved.

To Bill we say, your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. 

Visitation: 10:30 a.m.

Chapel: 12:00 p.m.

Houston National Cemetery: 1:00 p.m. (In Procession)

Houston National Cemetery

10410 Veterans Memorial Dr.

Houston, TX 77038

Meet in Lane #2 @ 12:45 p.m. (Not before 12:30 p.m.)

Houston National Cemetery

10410 Veterans Memorial Dr.

Houston, TX 77038

Meet in Lane #1 @ 11:30 a.m. (Not before 11:15 a.m.)

Military Honors Presented By:

United States Navy

Houston Honor Guard

Thomas Elmo Harper passed away on October 12, 2024, in Houston, TX. Born on November 2, 1929, in East Prairie, MO, Thomas dedicated his life to his family, his country, and his career in engineering.

Thomas proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1948 to 1952 as part of a Helicopter Squadron in Korea, an experience that shaped much of his early professional life. Following his military service, he pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri in 1957.

His career was marked by significant contributions to several key institutions. Starting in 1957 at United Aircraft Corp. Research Facility in East Hartford, CT, he moved on to Lockheed Corporation in Marietta, GA in 1961, and later to Bell Aircraft Corp. in New Orleans, LA in 1973. His career culminated at the Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVO) in Waveland, MS, where he retired in 1997.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Thomas was an avid participant in a range of hobbies. In his younger years he enjoyed time spent waterskiing, snow skiing, roller skating and particularly enjoyed square dancing with his beloved wife, Helen, and playing table tennis. He had been a Master Mason for 54 years, 7 months, and 11 days.

He was a proud 33-degree Master Mason and achieved both Scottish Rite and York Rite designations. He served Slidell Lodge No. 311, F. & A. M., as Worshipful Master in 1982. He was also a member of the Grand Lodge of Louisiana, C.A. Everitt Commandery No 29 Knights Templar Slidell, LA, Royal Arch Masons of Louisiana.

Thomas is survived by his daughters, Norma Fruge (Barry McDaniel), Beverly Allen (Steve), and Janet Alvarez (John); sister-in-laws, Thelma Sue Corbin Musiedlak (David) and Connie

Louise Corbin Maki (Randell); three grandchildren, Fairon Allen (Nicole), Lauren Nicole Alvarez, and Rachel Lorraine Alvarez; and two great-grandchildren, Laurel Allen and Fairon Allen. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Helen Corbin Harper, his parents, Gertrude Grisson Harper and James Elmo Harper, his 8 siblings, and his grandson, Sean Patrick Mahaffey.

Thomas's life was a testament to his resilience, intelligence, and commitment to the values he held dear. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

His final resting place will be at the Houston National Cemetery, where he will be interred, along with his wife Helen, on December 16, 2024 at 11:30am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in his honor.

Houston National Cemetery

10410 Veterans Memorial Dr.

Houston, TX 77038

Meet in Lane #1 @ 1:30 p.m. (Not before 1:15 p.m.)

Military Honors Presented By:

United States Air Force

Houston Honor Guard

Visitation: 3:30 p.m.

Chapel: 7:00 p.m.

  - Services conclude here

Visitation: 12:00 p.m.

Chapel: 1:30 p.m. 

Military Honors: 2:15 p.m.

 -Services conclude here

Military Honors Presented By:

Houston Honor Guard

Visitation: 11:30 a.m.

Houston National Cemetery: 1:30 p.m. (In Procession)

Military Honors Presented By:

United States Marine Corps

Houston Honor Guard

Houston National Cemetery

10410 Veterans Memorial Dr.

Houston, TX 77038

Meet in Lane #1 @ 11:30 a.m. (Not before 11:15 a.m.)

Military Honors Presented By:

United States Air Force

Houston Honor Guard