JOSEPH PAUL AYERS

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Joseph Paul Ayers, 72, of Fort Scott, was received by his Lord in heaven Aug. 23, 2010 at the St. Francis Hospital in Topeka, Kan.

He was born Sept. 15, 1937 in Fort Scott, Kan., the fifth son of Sam and Ruby (Hyle) Ayers.

He married Carol Ogle Dec. 31, 1960 in Harrison, Ark. She survives of the home.
Joe was drafted into the Armed Forces Aug. 2, 1960. He served in Germany and was separated from active duty on Aug. 2, 1962, and was honorably discharged as Sp.4th Class July 31, 1966.

He was a firefighter for the City of Fort Scott Fire Department for 27 years. He was Fire Chief when he retired June 1, 1990.

He received a lung transplant Oct. 21, 1997.

He was a member of the American Legion, Post 25 Fort Scott, Kan., and attended the First Southern Baptist Church.
He enjoyed traveling with his family, camping, his work at the Fire Dept., and genealogy, only when he could find the family connections. He was loved and will be missed by family and friends.

In addition to his wife, Carol, Joe is survived by one daughter, Alice and Rick Anderson of Lawrence, Kan.; one brother, Donald Ayers and family of Brighton, Colo.; two sisters-in-law, Awyn Ayers and family of Osborne, Kan.; and Mary Ayers and family of Fort Scott, Kan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and three brothers, Harry, Lester, and Raymond Ayers.Rev. Joel Dunn will conduct funeral services 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 27, 2010 at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Burial will follow at the US National Cemetery, Fort Scott, with military honors conducted by the Olson-Frary-Burkhart Post 1165 Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Detail.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice Compassus and left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall St., P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, KS 66701.

Online sympathies may be emailed to expressions@konantz-cheney.com.