Jared Lawrence May

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jared Lawrence May, who left us too soon on February 6, 2025, just days before his 47th birthday. Jared was born on February 10, 1978, in Houma, Louisiana, to Mary (Bergeron) and Louis Paul May. He entered the world a beautiful 9 lb, 11 oz bundle of joy, measuring 22.5 inches long, and he quickly filled his family's life with laughter and love. 

Growing up, Jared was an active young man who embraced sports with passion. He played baseball and basketball and earned the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout. After attending DeRidder High School, where he excelled in basketball and soccer, he graduated in 1996, ready to take on the world.

Later, Jared joined the Louisiana National Guard and pursued further education at LSU, where he not only played rugby but also made the Dean's List as a freshman-a testament to both his athleticism and intelligence. On July 22, 2006, he married Ashley Lynn Hanks, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

In 2007, Jared's passion for aviation took flight when he decided to become a pilot. He attended flight school to master flying Blackhawk helicopters and welcomed his first child, daughter Grace Elizabeth May, on December 12, 2008. Jared's heart grew even bigger when his son, Bryce Christian May, was born on August 29, 2010. 

Throughout his military career, Jared served with honor and bravery, completing three tours in Iraq and experiencing the challenges of war firsthand as both a medic and a pilot. He flew reconnaissance missions for the U.S. Army and transitioned to fixed wing flying, even serving as a Medevac pilot during his time in Iraq. In 2011, Jared and his family made a move to Kansas City, where he joined the Missouri National Guard, continuing to serve in Afghanistan on critical missions.

After his military service, Jared shared his passion for flying as a Pilot Instructor for MAG Aerospace from 2016 to 2020. He later took on roles as Flight Operations Manager for Meta Special Aerospace (2020 - 2022) and Fractional Pilot and Captain for Volato (2022 - 2023). At the time of his passing, he was serving as Captain for Metrea Special Aerospace. 

Jared is survived by his daughter, Grace Elizabeth May; son, Bryce Christian May; loving mother, Mary Bergeron May; brothers, Kenneth Christopher May, Darrel James May and Joanna, William Edward May and Tara; sister, Rose May Johnson and Kyle; ten nieces and nephews and a community of friends and family who will forever cherish his memory. 

Jared was preceded in death by his father, Louis Paul May; paternal grandfather, Wells Iverson; paternal grandmother, Ann Iverson; maternal grandmother, Hazel Bergeron; maternal grandfather, Lawrence Bergeron.

Jared's funeral service will be held at Myers Colonial Funeral Home on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 9:30 am. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during the public viewing on Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm. He will be laid to rest at the Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Leesville, Louisiana, following the service on February 21 at 11:30 am. Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Kenneth May, Darrel May, William May, Kyle Johnson, Tanner Townsend, Jackson Townsend.

In our hearts and memories, Jared will always soar high as a beloved son, a caring father, a loving brother and uncle and a remarkable pilot. May he rest in peace.