Mays, Earl Edward Sr ., 67, passed away Nov. 16, 2018 at home surrounded by his family.

H e was born Nov. 20, 1950 in Kansas City, MO., the son of Thomas Jacob Mays Sr., and Christine (Nelson) Mays. In 1973 he met the love of his life, Mary E. Rice, and they were united in marriage on July 13, 1975 in El Dorado and enjoyed 43 years together. The family moved back to El Dorado (in Mary's case) in 1976. Before being disabled by a heart attack, Earl was employed by U.S.D. 490 as a custodian at the El Dorado High School. He also helped his children deliver the El Dorado Times for over 20 years and for the past four years he worked at the El Dorado Senior Center hosting Men's Coffee as well as other duties. He accepted Christ into his life shortly after moving to El Dorado and was chairman of the deacons board at the Antioch Baptist Church, where he served tirelessly.

H e was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and three sisters.

H e leaves to cherish his memory his wife Mary of the home, three sons:  Earl Jr. of Rosehill, DeAndre (April) and Antwan (Jandrea), both of El Dorado; daughter Mariauna Mays; five grandchildren: Javen of Bentonville, AR; Aidan, Addison, Aaliyah, and Asher of El Dorado, two brothers: Robert (Evelyn) of Kansas City, MO; Keith (Jan) of Adrian, MO; one sister Sharon Canady of Kansas City, MO; and a host of other relatives and friends.

M emorial services for Earl will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, Dec. 1 2018 at the Senior Center, 201 N. Vine, El Dorado. In lieu of flowers memorials to the family may be sent to Heritage Funeral Home, 206 E. Central, El Dorado, 67042.