Rolan Eugene May, of Wellington passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 83 on Sunday May 23, 2021 in the care of his loving wife Renita.

Rolan was born May 12, 1938 in Salem Township, Cowley County, KS to Ray and Jessie May. While he was young, his folks moved to Wellington where he was raised and he graduated from high school in 1956. He began working at Western Electric which led him to Nebraska and Yukon, Oklahoma before moving back to Wellington with his family in 1967.  He was employed at Welco upon his return, and enjoyed working many years at GE – Strother Field where he eventually retired in 1998. In addition he farmed with his dad, Ray and brother, Gerald for many years on his days off.  Harvest being a highlight.

He also loved country music and dancing, and that is where he met the love of his life Renita. Rolan and Renita, daughter of Will & Phyllis Rogers, were united in marriage January 8, 1987 in Arkansas City, KS.

Rolan was preceded in death by parents Ray & Jessie May, brothers Tony and Gerald, grandson Jimmie, and nephew Mark.

He is survived by wife Renita, sons Steven (Cathy), Brian (Stacey), James, Roger(Miranda)and Raymond (Bailey), his grandchildren, Clifton, Anisha (Jordan), Russell (Rachel), Aubrey (Shawn), Kelsey (Dalton), Emily (Anthony), Amber, Hollie, Makenna (Devin), Summer, Carissa, Anthony (Delenn), Ashton, Aiden, Cailin, Anistyn, Daxter and Finity, 15 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandsons.

Rolan was a humble, generous man who touched so many lives with his caring ways. Many people have experienced his kindness first-hand. He was thoughtful and always thinking of others and willing to lend a hand. He was knowledgeable about solving mechanical problems and finding new ways of doing things including growing a new variety of this or that. He had a good time surprising people with tasty treats from his kitchen, old tried and true recipes like his famous chocolate chip cookies or grandma's favorite dish to new creations of all sorts including fresh veggies from one his many gardens. Smoked Crappie became a favorite among the goodies coming off his smoker. If you stopped by for a visit you would NOT leave hungry!

He loved fishing and was the best fishing buddy. He knew all the best spots and enjoyed sharing them with the people he loved.  Sometimes he went on all day excursions to find where they were biting, and many times you would see him at the Wellington Lake or Hargis Creek Watershed reeling in Crappie.  Rolan also was a great joke teller and had a lot of fun telling jokes and stories, and spending time with others. He made a lot of tracks delivering goodies to friends and neighbors.

Rolan was truly an amazing man and he will be missed very much. Thanks for the memories Grandpa!

In honoring Rolan's wishes there will be no public service.  Burial will be at Prairie Lawn Cemetery in Wellington, KS.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 27, 2021 from 1:00 – 7:00 P.M. with family present from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Interim Healthcare of Wellington, Kansas.  Contributions can be left at or mailed to the funeral home.

Frank Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.