Donald May Obituary

Donald A. May, 74, died March 23, 2013, in Baton Rouge. A private graveside service was held Monday at Roselawn Memorial Park. He was born February 15, 1939, in Natalbany, Louisiana, to Claude W. and Bertie M. May. He was retired from Dictaphone Corporation. Donald was self-taught in the field of pipe organ repairing. He graduated from the Baton Rouge Vocational-Technical school in Electronics, and read extensively about pipe organs. His experience with pipe organs spanned 50 years and he often traveled throughout the south to examine and learn about these instruments. It must be said that the years of study and work with many instruments made him a true craftsman of superior ability. One of Donald's major accomplishments was to restore and rebuild the Robert Morton Theatre Organ at the Paramount Theatre on Third Street. For 34 years it lay in ruin; instrumentation covered with the dust of time, leather dried and cracked from years of non-use, while the console had its electrical line cut years before and was thrown out in a theatre alley to crumble. In 1960, Donald took up the challenge and began a five-year (nearly 3,000 hours) task to rebuild the star of yesteryear. Working as early as 4 or 5 in the morning until his regular job duties required that he leave, returning at night and on weekends, he systematically overcame the monumental obstacles of technical complications with a devoted labor of love. The rebuilt organ played for the first time after more than 30 years for the opening of "The Sound of Music" at the Paramount Theatre in April 1966, and was played until 1978. In 1979 the theatre was demolished, but not before the organ was removed and installed in a private residence in Jackson, Mississippi, with Don's assistance, where it is still played today. Donald was also a gifted story-teller with an interest in Louisiana cemeteries and was knowledgeable about the people buried there. He often humorously described himself as a "storehouse of worthless information". That was far from the truth, for we found him extremely interesting and will certainly miss hearing his stories. Donald is survived by close cousins, Perrin, Ann, Wallis, and Desiree Watkins; Bobbye Cloy; Lucius Scott; and adoring caregiver and friend, Shelly Reid. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Dorothy May Lee; and niece, Judith Anne Lee. Condolences and memories may be sent to P.O. Box 64663, Baton Rouge, LA 70896.

Published by The Advocate from Mar. 29 to Mar. 31, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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Don and I both graduated from Baton Rouge High in 1957 and were inseparable best friends until I left Baton Rouge in 1961 to work for IBM in Wash. D.C. We used to have a great time riding our Servicecycles (motorbikes) around the Baton Rouge area. I regret that I didn't keep in touch with him all these past years.

Rest in peace, my friend.

Tom Maxson

April 5, 2013

Dear memories of Don May with Dolton McAlpin (my first cousin) and Bob and Tippy Garner (dear friends from the 1970's). What a kind, generous, and fun man! We all loved Don and enjoyed being with him; many good memories of big 4th of July celebrations together. Peace to your family.

NancyKay Wessman

April 3, 2013

Mr. Don was a wonderful neighbor. He is deeply missed.

Sheri T

April 1, 2013

Janice "Deen" Edwards

March 31, 2013

I had the privilege of working with Don during the last several months of his restoration of the Baton Rouge Paramount organ. Before I met Don I knew nothing about the workings of pipe organs, and he taught me and got me hooked on a wonderful life-long hobby. Today I co-ordinate a team of volunteer organ technicians maintaining the pipe organ in the Polk Theatre in Lakeland, Florida which was made by the same company that made the Baton Rouge Paramount organ. I have never known anyone who was more expert regarding the workings of Robert Morton organs, and within the last several years I have consulted with Don about difficult problems we were experiencing in Lakeland. I clearly owe a lot to Don May. Thank you, Don.

Bob Courtney

March 31, 2013

My husband worked with Donald at Dictaphone for many years. He helped work on the organ and spent many a wonderful summer day on Donalds boat at False River. We both remember Donald very fondly he was a wonderful person.

Therrell and Janet murray

March 31, 2013

My brother and I grew up on Arlington Avenue where Donald lived and we remember fond times with him.

Jan & Gordon Jenkins

March 30, 2013

May and Lee Families: I am sorry for your loss. I met Donald through the late Dorothy and Judy Lee. he was truly wonderful.

Azelia Singleton

March 30, 2013

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