Scott Rutherford May

Scott Rutherford May, 70, of Terre Haute passed away Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.  He was born April 3, 1953 in Lima, Ohio to John Strother May and Catherine Rose Pratte May.

Survivors include his children, Luke Benjamin May and Jennifer LaNelle May; siblings, Susan May Hendrickson, Guy Strother May, Dean Wesley May, and Mark Clark May; and his namesake and business partner Scott Wesley May, along with many other nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Jay Pratte May and Hugh Harry May.

Scott owned/co-owned/operated many businesses, including the automotive service stations Stadium Standard at Brown and Wabash, Amaco at 25th and Lafayette, Marathon at 7th and Davis, Marathon at 25th and College, and May's Garage, as well as the Courtesy Cleaners laundromats in Terre Haute and Indianapolis.  He was extraordinarily mechanically-inclined and independently invented an adaptation of variable-valve-timing, communicating the idea in written correspondence to leaders of some of the largest automotive manufacturers in the world. The concept has since become ubiquitous to the 4-stroke automobile engine.

He came from a very musical family and especially enjoyed the harmonies of barbershop singing with friends.  He was a phenomenal pool player, loved boating on the Wabash and listening to songbirds, and in his later years became a spiritual philosopher and energy healer.  Most recently, you would have easily found him walking his dog and chatting with neighbors, spreading love and kindness to friends and strangers alike.

There will be no services or visitation, but a celebration of life is planned (contact Luke Benjamin May to be notified of the event details).  In lieu of flowers, Scott wants you to go out and hug your neighbor.

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