12/14/2021
Gary Gene Ayres, 70, of Humansville, Missouri, passed away Nov. 26, 2021. Gary was born to parents Gene and Geraldine (DeLoach) Ayres on May 12, 1951 in Glendale, Arizona.
Gary met Ruth Ann Ayres in Phoenix, Arizona and they married on Jan. 15, 1977. Together, they raised two children, Megan Calfee and Bethany Ayres.
There are no few words to describe Gary; his children remember him as a true jack of all trades. Many of those trades were in the interest of helping others.
Gary proudly served his country as a combat engineer for the U.S. Marine Corps for 6 years and later served in the U.S. Naval Reserves. Gary was a man of many adventures, and he worked hard to provide for his family. His children remember getting to travel a lot growing up.
Gary was deeply invested in preserving history and stories that would have otherwise been forgotten. Advancing these efforts, he wrote many articles for magazines and newspapers, authored a book, and spoke about history and genealogy. He was active in the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Veterans Organizations and state and local history societies. Gary was a Master Mason for the Stockton, Missouri Lodge.
He leaves a legacy of a handy man, but don’t be fooled, he made amazing sweet potato pies. He loved the open road and riding motorcycles with his brothers and cousins.
Gary is survived and loved by Megan (Jeremy) Calfee, daughter; Bethany Ayres, daughter. He was loved by his grandchildren: Kendrick Calfee, Jessica Mires, Peyton Calfee, James Mires, Alexander Calfee, Natalie Calfee, Caitlyn Mooneyham, Ryan Adamson, Joshua Adamson, Alexander Adamson and Savannah Adamson. Gary was blessed to have known his great granddaughter Ellie Mooneyham. Gary is also survived by Geraldine Ayres, mother; John Ayres, brother; Jesse Ayres, brother; Jgade Ayres, brother; Kelly Ayres, brother. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, sisters in law and John Adamson, friend of the family.
Gary was preceded in death by his loving wife Ruth Ayres, his father Gene Ayres, brothers Roy Ayres, Alfred Ayres, nephew Toby Ayres and granddaughter Rylie Adamson. Services for Gary will be held at the Rondo Baptist Church in Rondo, Missouri on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. Interment will follow immediately afterward at Rondo Cemetery.
