Donald B. May

Donald B. May, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and brother passed away peacefully on November 19, 2025 surrounded by his family in Hilliard, Ohio at the age of 91. Don was a devoted family man, eager to share his many talents with his loved ones and those in need. He leaves a lasting legacy of faith, love, integrity and perseverance that will be felt for generations.

Born in 1934 in Akron, Ohio, to Judge Dean F. May and Dorothy May, Don was raised in Hudson and graduated from Akron St. Vincent High School. Many of those years growing up were spent living and working on the family farm, adjacent to a 50-acre lake and park that the family built and opened to the public in 1950. Don and his siblings worked as lifeguards ran concessions and helped Dorothy operate the park after the passing of Dean shortly before it opened. The park was later donated to the city of Hudson and is now known as Hudson Springs Park. Don is survived by his brother Joe May and his sister Joan Maher, and preceded in death by his father and mother, and brothers: John D., Bruce, Jim, Dean and Mike.

Don graduated from the University of Pittsburgh and while living there met the love of his life, Bette Anne. He was a devoted husband to Bette Anne for 64 years and together they raised five children: Gregory (Connie) May, Lauren (Mark) Lutz, Anne (David) Downing, Douglas (Sarah) May, and Jennifer (Bryan) Lundgren.

Don loved being a grandfather and hated to miss a sporting event, choir or dance recital, and welcomed every opportunity to spend time with his 16 grandchildren: Marisa (Kevin) Sickmeier, Adam (Catherine) Downing, Natalie May, Emilee Downing, Olivia (Connor) Piper, Lindsey (Brad) May, Charlie (Cassie) May, Kelly May, Max Lutz, David May, Evan Lutz, Tommy May, Hannah Lundgren, John May, Andrew Lundgren and Will Lundgren, and his three great grandchildren: Dean Downing, Nora Piper, and Lucy Downing.

Don spent his early years putting his geological engineering degree to use in the oil and natural gas industry, eventually moving his new family to Columbus and working for the State of Ohio, Division of Mines. He loved building and construction, and ultimately took a chance with a start-up motel chain called Red Roof Inns, where he worked for over 20 years and was instrumental in the company’s expansion. After retiring from Red Roof Inns, Don joined his sons Greg and Doug to open and operate three Buffalo Wild Wings franchised locations in Columbus for 18 years. Don’s carpentry, construction and general contracting skills -- later affectionately called “dongineering” by those who worked with him – were on full display once again as he led the development of the three locations. He also served as an instructor at The Ohio State University where he taught a class on Hospitality Management and was revered by his students.

Don loved woodworking and enjoyed collecting driftwood and discarded lumber and turning it into art. In his later years, he became a prolific woodcarver, especially of old world Santa Claus figurines, which he took great pride and joy making for family and friends and are now a lasting tribute to his and Bette Anne’s love of Christmas.

One of Don’s greatest joys later in his life was spending time at his happy place, the family Lake House that he and Bette Anne have maintained for many years near the Lake Erie shore in Huron, Ohio. He also enjoyed sailing, having spent a year in college attending the United States Coast Guard Academy. He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Pirates fan, a shrewd Scrabble player, and loved to play golf and card games with his friends.

Don was active parishioner of Our Lady of Victory Church for 60 years and he and Bette Anne built many lasting friendships there.

Friends may call Sunday, November 23, 2025 from 2-5PM at Egan-Ryan Funeral Home Northwest Chapel 4661 Kenny Road Columbus, OH 43220

Funeral Mass 11 AM Monday, November 24, 2025, at Our Lady of Victory Church 1559 Roxbury Road Columbus, OH 43212

Don’s family would like to express their deep gratitude for the care Don received from Luminary Hospice.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Our Lady of Victory Church, Luminary Hospice or the American Red Cross.