It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Delmar Lee May on October 15, 2024, at the age of 94.

Delmar was born on May 26, 1930 to James and Lillie May in Wichita, Kansas and is the first of three children. The family moved to Vancouver, WA in 1942 before settling in Kennewick, WA, in June of 1948. He is a graduate of Meadows High School, class of 1948.

He married Inez Bland on March 4, 1950 and the two remained married for 74 years until his passing. Delmar was enlisted in the United States Air Force from 1951 and was stationed in Texas, Colorado, Washington, Okinawa, and Taiwan, with most of his time overseas spent at Naha Air Base in Okinawa, Japan.

He was honorably discharged from USAF in San Antonio, Texas in 1955 and returned to Kennewick for the remainder of his life. After his service Delmar held various jobs in real estate, TV service, and eventually opening his own business sharpening knives for various local restaurants.

For their friends and family, Delmar and Inez are best known for their concrete hull boat, The Sundowner, which was constructed in their backyard between 1969 and 1972. After construction, it remained seaworthy and a staple of family vacations until 2014. Delmar and Inez made many memories traveling from Blaine, WA into Canada and Alaska every May through September.

Delmar is survived by his wife Inez, sister Janet Fleetwood (Wes), sister-in-law Sybil May, sons Dwight (Michele) and John (Herlinda), grandchildren Austin, Courtney, Lauren, Lydia, Riley, and Sean, great-grandchildren Jordy, Levi, Peter, Phillip, Bronson and Wayllen.

He was preceded in death by his parents James and Lillie, brother Richard, and son Allan.

Details regarding a celebration of life will be announced by the family at a later date

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in Delmar's name to any of the following organizations: Southeast Alaska Conservation Council, Meals on Wheels, or the Fred Hutch Cancer Center.