Mearl Clayton May

Mearl Clayton May, 83, of Fairland, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026, in Sarasota, Florida.

He was born May 18, 1942, in Cincinnati, Ohio, the son of Porter and Stella (Terry) May. On January 20, 1968, he married his wife of 58 years, Amelia Barbara “Molly” Fechter, and she survives.

In addition to Molly, Mearl is survived by his sons, Gary Raymond May and wife, Beverly, of Shelbyville, Gregory Mearl May and wife, Toni, of Shelbyville, Christopher Allen May and wife, Kara, of New Palestine, and Brian Clayton May and wife, Missy, of Fairland; sister, Joyce Faye Fischer of Westport; grandchildren, Tyler, Chloe, Geoffrey, Ian, Porter, Charlie, Oliver, Lucy, Elly, Lily, Makenly, KJ, Kaitlin, Jess, and John; and several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Loretta May.

In 1961, Mearl graduated from Triton Central High School, and continued his education at ITT Tech for two years.

Mearl was a US Navy veteran, serving in Vietnam for three years.

He retired as a machinist at Navistar in 1997, with 31 years of service. Mearl formerly worked as a Reserve Deputy for the Shelby County Sheriff Department, for 11 years.

Mearl was a member of the Sugar Creek Masonic Lodge No. 279 F&AM, where he formerly served as Worshipful Master.

He proudly served as the Leader of Boy Scout Troop No. 248, for 17 years. Mearl also served his community as a volunteer for 35 years on the Fairland Volunteer Fire Department.

Mearl enjoyed going hunting, doing woodworking and playing shuffleboard.

One of his greatest joys was attending his grandchildren's sporting events.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 pm, Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St., in Shelbyville. Masonic services will be conducted at 7:30 pm.

Funeral services will be at 10 am, Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the funeral home, with Brother Cleon Wright officiating.

Interment will be at Fairland Cemetery in Fairland, with military rites conducted by the local military committee.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Indiana Masonic Home Foundation, 525 N. Illinois St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 or the Fairland Volunteer Fire Department, 400 W 400 N, Fairland, Indiana 46126.

Online condolences may be shared with Mearl’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.