Richard Craig Ayers of Hermiston passed away near Hermiston on Jan. 5, 2019 at the age of 85.
He was born on Feb. 17, 1933 in Walla Walla, Wash. to Richard and Florence Golden Ayers.
Richard attended and completed school in Pendleton. After high school, he worked in the woods for a short time before serving in the U.S. Army and the Army Reserves. He later worked for Lockheed Aircraft in California before returning to Eastern Oregon. He worked as a demolition technician for the Umatilla County Road Department from 1965 until retiring in 1999.
Richard married Carol Cross on June 14, 1958 in Pendleton; from this union three children were born. The couple divorced many years later.
Richard was a Boy Scout leader, coached baseball and was a supporter of the Boys and Girls Club of America. He had a strong faith in God and was a “fisher of men.” He enjoyed sailing and racing sails boats, and built his own 36-foot custom sail boat.
He is survived by his children, Ricky Cletus (Kerstin) Ayers, Ryan Cyle (Kim) Ayers and Carrie (Kelly) Simrell; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; sister, Dixie Ayers; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Beverly Harold and Shirley Girton.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 1, 2019 at the Hermiston Assembly of God Church, 730 E. Hurlburt Ave.
Family suggests memorial donations be made to Vange John Memorial Hospice, 645 W. Orchard Ave., Suite 300, Hermiston, Ore., 97838.
