Mr. David Lystrup Ayers, aged 82, of Stanton, passed away at his residence on Feb 16, 2007. Before graduating from Ionia High School, Mr. Ayers had a tendency to fall asleep in class; he was promptly sent home, but his mother would always bring him back.
During WWII, Infantryman Ayers served in the US Army and received the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, the Eastern African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, American Campaign Medal, Expert Marksman Award, and the Victory Medal. Later in life, he received a letter from the French government thanking him for his service that restored peace and freedom to their government.
On Apr 1, 1960, Bernice Holliday married David, who was a tall, big man with a gentle heart. He was a very good listener and loved hearing music. Years ago at a silent auction, Mr. and Mrs. Ayers bought a school house located at Barnes and Fenwick Rd. and then they used the wood from the school house to start their own home.
Mr. Ayers was a Corrections Officer for the State of Michigan and was a life member of DAV and VFW in Sheridan and a member of the Greenville American Legion Post #101. He was a deeply loved family man, and both Mr. and Mrs. Ayers were very much in love. They had a wonderful life together.
He is survived by his wife, Bernice Ayers; daughters, Mrs. Karol Fitzgerald of Cedar Springs, and Ms. Luana Riches of Greenville; his son and his wife, Doug and Vicky Ayers; six grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and his very special spoiled dogs, Sarah and Raven.
The Service for Mr. Ayers will be Tuesday at 1 pm at the Barden Funeral Home (Sidney Road and M-66) in Stanton with Pastor Steve Voelker officiating. Military honors will be under the auspices of the Greenville American Legion with interment in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens. Friends may meet with the Ayers’ family from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9pm Monday at the funeral home.