Milton (Sonny) Louis Mays
Milton (Sonny) Louis Mays, age 76 of New Philadelphia, formerly of East Liverpool, Ohio, died Friday, June 22.
Milton was a loving, faithful husband for 56 years. As a devoted and proud father, he raised his children with high values, involved them in the church, taught them to work hard in school and modeled to his children respect for others. He instilled strong Christian values in his children by word and deed and took every opportunity to share all their accomplishments.
For over 60 years, Milton was a faithful servant of God who used his love of the Lord to be a dedicated soldier in the Salvation Army and willingly shared his testimony. He rang the bell at Christmas time, participated in open-air ceremonies and volunteered in many other ways.
Milton enjoyed visiting family and friends and helping others. He liked drawing, building and working with his hands. He was a graduate of East Liverpool High School and received a bachelor's degree from Kent State University.
Milton is survived by his wife, Martha (Skinner) Mays; his children, Martha Mays of New Philadelphia, Ohio, Mary (Dave Lett) Mays of Stow, Ohio, Miriam (Dave Smith) Mays of Hudson, Ohio, Milton Mays of Elberfeld, Indiana, Michael (Tami) Mays of Massillon, Ohio, Michel (Wayne) Short of Dover, Ohio, Maelene (Thomas) Rodriguez of Navarre, Ohio, Milsah (Darren) Bolen of Marietta, Ohio and Manda Mays of Dover, Ohio; his grandchildren, Alexis Polce, Mandy Wagner, Ryan (Jane) Mays, Christopher, Matthew and Logan Mays, Benjamin and Noah Mays, Joshua (Jennifer) Short, Nathan (Jenn) Short, Rachel and Daniel Short, Caleb Mays, Isabella, Dominic and Sophia Rodriguez, Dallas and Devon Bolen, and Ian Heter; his great-grandchildren, Selina, Finn, Christian, Rylee and Kohlson; a twin sister, Mildred (Honey) Gilbert; a brother, Roderick (Violet); a sister-in-law, Mary Mays; numerous nieces and nephews; and additional family members, Michael Polce and Terri Adler Mays.
Milton was preceded in death by his parents, Elda R. and Erma M.; his son, Matthew; his grandson, Andrew Mays; and siblings, Edna Burles, Richard, Dorothy Sault, Eileen Touvelle, Robert, Ralph, Kenneth, Ruth Ann Duke, Elizabeth Fan Boord, Pauline, Aleta Marie Stanley and Maggie.
Memorial service will be at 6 p.m. and calling hours from 4-6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 26 at the Salvation Army, 809 Emmet Ave. NW, New Philadelphia.
