Bill Ayres

William Charles Ayres, 90, died January 13, 2010, in Estes Park, Colorado with family members by his side.

Bill, also known as W.C. or Papa, was born June 15, 1919, in Kansas City, Missouri, to William Henry and Ethyl Irene (Brown) Ayres. He graduated from Central High School in Kansas City. After graduating, he served in the United States Army during WWII as a Master Sergeant with the Field Artillery Mule Pack, in the Southern Philippines, and was awarded the Bronze Star for his service.

A life-long member of the United Methodist Church, Bill lent his beautiful voice to many choirs. In 1980, he retired after 40 years with the Union Pacific Railroad. This allowed him to spend many wonderful years with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A barbershop quartet enthusiast, he sang with a SPEBSQSA affiliated quartet and chorus for many years. He also sang with the Union Pacific Railroad Quartet. He enjoyed performing as lead in the quartet when they toured the country as goodwill ambassadors for the company.

Bill would like to be remembered as a "jolly, good fellow" by everyone who knew him and he deserved the title! He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

His parents and brother, Robert R. Ayres, preceded him in death.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Allie Jo; three daughters, Ginny Hutchison, Barbara Ayres, and Kay Rosenthal and her husband Lowell, all Estes Park, Colorado residents; three granddaughters and their spouses, Shannon and Brian Faith, Ashli and Shane Adams, and Alicia and Colleen O'Toole; grandson Thomas Rosenthal, and great-grandchildren Will and Cash Faith and Paige Adams.

Funeral Services were held Monday, January 18, 2010 at the Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church. Reverend's Carl Knapp and David Hackett officiated. Burial was in the Strasburg Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church Building Fund and may be sent in care of the funeral home.