Lieutenant Colonel Charles Edward Ayers (68)

Lieutenant Colonel Charles Edward Ayers was born September 17, 1954, in Nacogdoches, Texas.  He was the fourth child born to Frances and Myrtie Ayers. He graduated from Chicago Vocational High School, Chicago, Illinois in 1973. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Secondary Education from the University of Evansville, Evansville, Indiana, a Master of Arts degree in Logistic Management from Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, and a Master of Arts degree in Human Resources Development from Webster University, St Louis Missouri. He also received a Doctorate of Education, Argosy University, Atlanta, GA.
 

His military education includes Missile Launch Control Officers, Vanderberg AFB, California, Drug and Alcohol Abuse Control, San Antonio, TX, Air Weapons Controller, Tyndall AFB, Florida. Additional formal military training included Marine Command and Staff College, Squadron Officers School and the Air Command and Staff College, Air War College.
 

Lieutenant Colonel Ayers’s first assignment was to Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota as a Deputy Missile Combat Crew Commander in 1977.  His next assignment was Carswell AFB, Texas, as the Substance Abuse Control Officer 7th Bomb Wing. In 1981, Colonel was assigned as the Senior Weapons Director with 705th Aircraft Warning and Control Squadron at King Salmon AFS, Alaska. In 1982, he was assigned to Minot AFB, North Dakota as a Substance Abuse Control Officer. Colonel Ayers was then assigned to Altus AFB, Oklahoma in February 1985 as Chief of Social Actions, 443rd Military Airlift Wing. In April 1989 Colonel Ayers assumed the command of the 443rd Headquarters Squadron, 443rd Military Airlift Wing.  In June 1990, Colonel Ayers assumed command of the Charlotte Military Entrance Station, Charlotte, NC. October 1993 he was assigned to the Extension Course Institute as the Director of Operation, Gunter AFB, Alabama. In June 1996 he was reassigned to Altus AFB, Oklahoma as the Inspector General for the 97th Military Airlift Wing.  June 1998 Colonel Ayers retired from the United States Air Force.
 

Colonel Ayers’s military awards and decorations include the Air Force Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Cluster, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, and Air Force Outstanding Unit with two Oak Leaf Cluster Medals.
 

Colonel Ayers was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Joyce Ann Ayers, Billie Ruth Ayers, and a brother Donald Ray Ayers. He leaves to mourn his wife Janey, three sons: Elliott, Christian and Darryl, Ten grandchildren, his brother John Ayers, Chicago, IL, Nephews Derrick, Patrick, Shalon Ayers and a niece Lillian Grayson.
 

Colonel Ayers was a religious man who enjoyed taking his family to Mass. He embraced the excitement of being a pilot. Hobbies he enjoyed were collecting model airplanes, trains, and military memorabilia. An avid reader and huge history buff of military publications, suspense novels, and national news aspired his interests. He was passionate about molding strong military leaders while serving active duty, and most recently at Burns High School JR ROTC. After retiring he treasured attending and watching Oklahoma Sooner Football. The Colonel believed deeply in the power of family and presented good values to his grandchildren. Teaching and educating are what fulfilled him most to show up for duty and give a full 110%. Last but not least, he was very caring father, accommodating, and touched all who knew him.
 

Services will be held at Thompson Mortuary & Chapel on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at 12:00p.m.