Howard P. Ayers

Howard P. Ayers, 87, died June 4, 2003, at Hester Care Center, Hutchinson.

He was born June 23, 1915, at Bucklin, the son of Roland Franklin and Bessie Emma Weikal Ayres. A Hutchinson resident since 1946, moving from Pratt, he was a 1934 graduate of Pratt High School, Pratt, and attended Salt City Business College, Hutchinson. He was a correctional supervisor major at Kansas State Industrial Reformatory, Hutchinson, retiring in 1974 after 28 years of service.

He belonged to Presbyterian Church, and attended First Baptist Church, Hutchinson. He was also a member of Reno Masonic Lodge No. 124 A.F.&A.M., Order of Eastern Star Silver Leaf Chapter No. 464, American Legion Lysle Rishel Post No. 58, Veterans of Foreign Wars Bob Campbell Post No. 1450. Disabled American Veterans, Kansas Peace Officers Association, the Fraternal Order of Police, and AARP.

He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, serving with the 35^th Division in the European Theater.

On Oct 5, 1947, he married Ruth Carey Heather Ackley at Hutchinson. She died Feb. 14, 1990.

Survivors include: a son, Ronald Ackley, West Fargo, N.D.; a daughter-in-law, Mary Ackley, Hutchinson; a brother, Verne Ayers and wife Juanita, Nickerson; four grandchildren, Bryan Ackley and wife Becky, West Fargo, N.D., Carl Ackley and wife Pam, Wichita, Darin Ackley and wife Becki, Hutchinson, and Linda Fain, Lewisville, Texas; and eight great-grandchildren, Dana Fain, Kevin, Caitlin, Colin, Hannah, Haley, Brody and Brooke Ackley.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, Roland, Carl and Guy; and an infant sister, Margaret.

Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Monday in Fairlawn Burial Park, Hutchinson, with the Rev. Jim Autrey presiding and military honors conducted by Fort Riley Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday with the family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, and 9 a.m. to noon Monday, at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson.

Memorials may be sent to the American Heart Association, Hospice of Reno County, or to the Cancer Council of Reno County, all in care of the mortuary.

Submitted by Phyllis Long on October 17, 2003.

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06/09/24