John Ayers

John Ayers was born on Sept. 22, 1939, to Lowell and Kathryn (Peterson) Ayers. He grew up in Waterloo, Iowa with his siblings, Jo, Dave, Jim and Joan. He died on Aug. 4, 2015 at Edgewater Retirement Community, West Des Moines, Iowa.

Visitation will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, on Thursday, Aug. 13, from 2:30-4:30 p.m. This will be followed immediately by a vigil service at 5 p.m. The Memorial Mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 7075 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines on Friday, Aug. 14, at 11 a.m.

John was a professor, a lawyer, a judge, an ordained Catholic deacon, an A-league player in tennis, racquetball and handball, a member of countless councils and boards, teller of lousy jokes and the ultimate enjoyer of the finer things in life.

John was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Jo, Dave and Jim; son, John, Jr.; and infant daughter, Susan.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Cathie (Agey); a son, Michael K. Ayers; three granddaughters, Mackenzie, Isabella and Samantha. Survivors also include his sister, Joan, and her partner, Diane; sisters-in-law, Maggie, Bev, Sandy, Marilyn and Janelle; brother-in-law, Phil; and many relatives and friends.

In 1961 John designated his body to be donated for medical research to University Hospitals in Iowa City, Iowa.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Parkinson Disease Association, 1200 Pleasant St., E-524, Des Moines, Iowa 50309 or Edgewater Good Samaritan Endowment Fund, 9225 Cascade Avenue, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266.

Condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.