Harold E. Ayers, age 87, of Gouverneur, passed away at home on September 20, 2011.
Calling hours will be at French Funeral Home, Gouverneur on Friday, September 23, 2011 from 6 – 8 p.m. His funeral service will be at the funeral home on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. with the Gouverneur VFW Post #6338 and Masonic Lodge #217 officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery, Edwards.
Harold was born on March 29, 1924 in Canton to the late Horace and Mary (Perry) Ayers. He graduated from Canton High School at the age of sixteen, attended Canton ATC until he was drafted, then graduated from St. Lawrence University in 1948.
Mr. Ayers served in the U.S. Army Air Force during WWII from Dec. 8, 1942 until his honorable discharge on Dec. 25, 1945. He worked as a radio mechanic and medic. His honors include the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, the WWII Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the American Service Medal.
Harold married Ruth L. Spaulding on July 4, 1947. The couple has lived in Gouverneur for over 35 years. Mr. Ayers worked as a purchasing agent for Gouverneur Talc for 38 years before his retirement.
He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the VFW, the Order of Eastern Stars and the Edwards Lion’s Club, where he served as Secretary for many years. Harold was honored with the VFW Veteran of the Year Award in 2006.
In his free time, Harold enjoyed playing golf, bowling, downhill skiing, and watching sports. He had also been a Boy Scout Leader for several years.
His survivors include his wife, Ruth; two sons and their wives, Ronald D. and Shirley Ayers of Woonsocket, RI, and Bruce D. and Carol Ayers of Spencerport; his sister, Ruth Wallace of Syracuse; two grandchildren and three great grandchildren; and his nieces and nephews.
Donations in his memory may be made to Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley or the Gouverneur VFW.
