John W. Mays, Jr.

John W. Mays, Jr. 89, of 214 South Edgar Street, Kane, died Friday morning at UPMC Hamot in Erie.

Born March 30, 1926 in Knox, he was the son of John W. and Esther I. Switzer Mays, Sr. On July 19, 1952 in Knox, he married he married Lois M. Finefrock, who survives.

After his service in the U.S. Navy during WWII and the Korean War, he was an agent operator and yardmaster for many years for the B & O Railroad, then the Chessie System, in Knox, Kane, Marienville, Johnsonburg and Salamanca, retiring in 1985.

John was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Kane, the American Legion in Clarion and the VFW in Knox; Kane Lodge # 566 F&AM in Kane and the Coudersport Consistory; the BPO Elks #329 in Kane, where had been an Exalted Ruler, District Deputy and Secretary of the District.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are a daughter, Holly (Ed) Cunningham of James City; grandsons Matthew Cunningham of Butler and Colin Cunningham of James City; and a great granddaughter, Hailey Cunningham of James City. Several nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death, besides his parents, by a brother, James Mays; and sisters Margaret Whitling, Ruth Reed, Maxine Payton and Shirley McCleary.

Friends may call at the Ronald McDonald II Funeral Home in Kane Monday from 6:00 until 8:00, where an Elks Memorial Service will be held at 6:00 and a Masonic Service at 7:00. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 on Tuesday at the funeral home with the rev. William LaVelle, pastor of the First United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will follow privately in Knox Union Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 112 Greeves St., Kane, PA, 16735; the Community Nurses, 757 Johnsonburg Rd., St. Marys, PA, 15857, or to the BPO Elks, P.O. Box 117, Kane, PA 16735.

To send condolences online, visit ronaldmcdonaldfuneralhome.com.