Leo R. Ayers, Jr.'s Obituary
SAN DIEGO, CA - Leo Raymond Ayers, Jr., age 84 of San Diego, California and formerly of Charleston, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away on Friday, February 25, 2011 at the San Diego Hospice Care Center in San Diego. A Service of Remembrance honoring and celebrating his life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 5, 2011 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Burial, with Military Rites by the Honor Guard of the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 will follow in Mound Cemetery, Charleston. Visitation for family and friends will be held Friday evening from 5:00 - 7:00 at the funeral chapel. It is requested that memorials in his honor be made to the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or services or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920.Leo was born February 24, 1927 in Charleston, to the late Leo Raymond Ayers, Sr. and Gracie Mae (Heggerty) Ayers. He married Dorothy Henderson on February 24, 1948 in Bermuda. He is survived by Dorothy, his wife of sixty-three years; eight children, Janie Barnett of Alexandria, Virginia, Leo ""Ray"" Ayers, III of Westminster, Colorado, Mark Ayers and wife Karen of Charleston, Suzan de Wit and husband Willie of Calgary, Canada, Scott Ayers and wife Aly of San Diego, Meagan Fowler and husband Gary of Highland Ranch, Colorado, David Ayers of San Diego, Matthew Ayers and wife Aimee of Lake Sunapee, New Hampshire; twenty-one grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by a son, Kim Ayers.Leo proudly served his country as a Veteran of the United States Navy serving admirably in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He was referred to as a ""mustang"" as he enlisted as a Seaman Apprentice and went through the ranks before being honorably discharged as a Lieutenant. Leo also played an active role in the atomic testing which took place at Johnson Island in the Pacific. He was a Life Member and a two term Past Commander of the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 and actively participated in the Honor Guard.Leo enjoyed hunting and fishing and was also an avid reader - his personal library was extensive. He worked crossword puzzles on a daily basis, took time to watch the birds and loved heading out with his metal detector in search of his next treasure. He volunteered his time with the Charleston Senior Center overseeing its recycling program. Leo loved to travel and personally witnessed the tremendous beauty that all fifty states had to offer. His family was truly an important aspect of his life and he was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Leo was dearly loved by his family and respected by his many friends. Their many fond memories of this wonderful gentleman are reflections of how he so richly touched their lives.
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