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MERRILL. Dr. Merrill May, 92, resident of Rio Rancho, died Sunday, February 5, 2006. He was born July, 13 1913 in Newton, IL, the sole child of E.O. and Mabel May. He lived in Newton until moving to study in Chicago where he received a B.A. in English in 1935 and a M.A. in English in 1936, both from the University of Chicago. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII. On completion of his service he resumed his studies, earning a Ph.D. in English, also from the University of Chicago, in 1954. Dr. May taught English at the University of Illinois, the University of Nebraska, and Northwestern University before joining the English faculty at Purdue University in 1953. He retired from Purdue as a Professor Emeritus of English in 1979. Dr. May began spending summers in his beloved New Mexico in the 1960s, and became an expert on Southwestern literature and art. He moved to Albuquerque after retirement, where he continued to pursue his interests in Southwestern literature, art, and culture. He also became very active as a patron of theater in Albuquerque, including serving on the board of the Vortex Theatre. Dr. May was a true renaissance man, with a great depth and breadth of knowledge of literature, history, art, and politics. He was an accomplished poet. He was an engaging and entertaining conversationalist, who enjoyed his family and friends greatly as they also enjoyed his company. He was loyal, kind, and generous to all, and brought good cheer and wisdom into the lives of many people. He was loved and will be missed. Dr. May is survived by his cousins, Parrie Pleyte of Chelan, WA, Jim Shortle of Linden Hall, PA, Sarah Shortle of Albuquerque, and Parrie Veo of Rolla, MO. His family is deeply grateful to Joyce Gammill, Bob Cosgrove, and Brenda Borren for the friendship and care they gave to Merrill in his later years. Cremation has taken place and Memorial Services will be held Friday, February 17, 2006, at 4:00 p.m., French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel. French Mortuary 1111 University Blvd. NE 843-6333
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