Jack D. Ayers, 81, died Thursday, July 22, 2010 at Western Plains Medical Complex in Dodge City. He was born on July 16, 1929 in Jewell County, the son of Lester M. and Bess (Debus) Ayers.

Jack attended grade school in Jewell County and graduated from Jewell High School. He then attended college at Wichita Business College and Brown Mackie College in Salina. Mr. Ayers served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict from 1951 to 1953 as a supply sergeant. On August 11, 1954, he married Marilyn F. Solbach at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Clifton. They moved to Salina, then to Garden City before moving to Dodge City. Jack started a hog farm and later started a roofing business. He was active with 4-H, hogs, church, and his job. Jack was an usher for the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe and helped with the jail ministry. He was a dedicated husband and father.

He was a member of Cathedral Of Our Lady Of Guadalupe, V.F. W., American Legion, and the Knights Of Columbus all of Dodge City, and the Kansas Swine Organization. He was also a 4-H Leader.

Jack is survived by his wife, Marilyn Ayers of Dodge City; four sons, Richard Ayers and wife Deb of Dodge City, Roger Ayers and wife Debbie of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, Tom Ayers and wife Bea of Wichita, and Jeff Ayers of Dodge City; two daughters, Beth Riege and husband Scott of Omaha, Nebraska and Diane Flamm and husband Bret of El Dorado; and one brother, Stanley Ayers of Wichita. He is also survived by 20 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Floy Carlton and Phyllis Wilmeth.

Vigil service will be held at the Cathedral Of Our Lady Of Guadalupe, Dodge City, on Sunday, July 25, 2010 at 7:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be held at the Cathedral Of Our Lady Of Guadalupe on Monday July 26, 2010 at 10:00 AM with Rev. Ted Skalsky presiding. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Dodge City with military rites by Howard Gotschall Post #1714, V.F.W. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Home, Dodge City, on Sunday, July 25, 2010 from noon to 6:00 PM. Memorials can be made to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.