Don was born March 25, 1928, in Weldon, Ill., to Willis and Anna Ayers. Don was the ninth of 12 children. He was preceded in death by his siblings.
Don married Patricia Smith on Aug. 6, 1947. They had two children, Pam Venell and Rod Ayers.
Don joined the U.S. Air Force in 1951. He was an Air Force Airplane Mechanic for 20 years, and retired in 1971 as a Master Sergeant from Nellis Air Force Base. He, Patricia and his family then moved to Philomath, and he worked for the City of Corvallis in the wastewater management area.
Don loved gardening, woodworking, camping and spending time with his friends, family and grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Ayers; daughter Pam and husband Larry Venell of Corvallis; son Rod Ayers of Philomath; grandson Chris and wife Stephanie Venell of Corvallis; grandson John Venell of Corvallis; granddaughter Tonya Ayers and husband Aaron of Beaverton; and great-granddaughters Klair, Dally Jo and Kate Venell.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Benton Hospice Service or your charity of choice in care of McHenry Funeral Home.
Funeral service with military-honors graveside service at Mt. Union Cemetery in Philomath.
Don was born March 25, 1928, in Weldon, Ill., to Willis and Anna Ayers. Don was the ninth of 12 children. He was preceded in death by his siblings.
Don married Patricia Smith on Aug. 6, 1947. They had two children, Pam Venell and Rod Ayers.
Don joined the U.S. Air Force in 1951. He was an Air Force Airplane Mechanic for 20 years, and retired in 1971 as a Master Sergeant from Nellis Air Force Base. He, Patricia and his family then moved to Philomath, and he worked for the City of Corvallis in the wastewater management area.
Don loved gardening, woodworking, camping and spending time with his friends, family and grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Ayers; daughter Pam and husband Larry Venell of Corvallis; son Rod Ayers of Philomath; grandson Chris and wife Stephanie Venell of Corvallis; grandson John Venell of Corvallis; granddaughter Tonya Ayers and husband Aaron of Beaverton; and great-granddaughters Klair, Dally Jo and Kate Venell.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Benton Hospice Service or your charity of choice in care of McHenry Funeral Home.
Funeral service with military-honors graveside service at Mt. Union Cemetery in Philomath.
Family Members
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Bonnie I. Ayers Gawthorp
1910–1984
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Wilbur E Ayers
1911–1983
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Dorothy Ayers Armstrong
1914–2007
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Lela Mildred Ayers
1915–1915
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Ruth E. Crooker
1917–2005
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Wendell W Ayers
1920–1979
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Walter Kenneth Ayers
1922–1963
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Norma Jean Ayers Lemmel
1925–2008
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Marjorie Sue Massey
1930–1997
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W. Dean Ayers
1933–1987
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Wiley Phillip Ayers Sr
1935–2002
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