Robert Earl Ayers, 88, of Ludington, passed away on Sun, Jun 14, 2015 at the Harbor Hospice Poppen Residence in Muskegon.
He was born Dec 2, 1926 in Ludington, son of the late Earl and Louise (Zachow) Ayers. Robert attended Ludington High School and graduated with the class of 1944. He then enlisted the US Army serving during WWII until he was honorably discharged.
Robert married L. Jane Weir on Sept 15, 1951 in Ludington. Robert and his brother Earl were the owners/operators of Ayers Plumbing & Heating. They took over the business from their father and grandfather after working for them for several years.
He was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, an original member of the St. John’s Lutheran Elementary School and a lifetime member of the Ludington American Legion Post 76. Robert was very involved in the Mason County Softball Association and was proud to have won two Class B State Softball Championships. He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman, treasured time with family and friends and was also known for having a great sense of humor.
Robert is survived by his wife. L. Jane Ayers of Ludington; son, Robert (Maureen) Ayers of Grand Rapids; daughters, Julie (Roger) Chappel of Ludington and Janice (Gary) Palis of Canton; eight grandchildren, Mark, Steven and Allison Ayers, Aaron Chappel, Sarah (Noah) Laird, Vicki (Mark) Mitchell and Jessica and Randy Palis; four great grandchildren, Keelyn and Jaelyn Laird and Brooke and Megan Mitchell; sister Helen Bortel of Montague; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is proceeded in death by his parents; sisters, Louise Rechtin and Alice Hull and brother Earl Ayers.
Funeral services for Robert will be held at 11am on Thu, Jun 18, 2015 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ludington with Pastor Thomas Boehne officiating. The family will receive friends for visitation on Wed, Jun 17, 2015 at Oak Grove Funeral Home from 2 to 4pm and 6 to 8pm and also on Thu morning at the church from 10am until the time of service. Burial with military honors conducted by the American Legion Post 76 will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Ludington.