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David Ayers Obituary
David Ayers, age 95, died April 17, 2019. David was preceded in death by wife Jean (who enriched his life through 66 years of marriage), daughter Janie, sister Peggy and brother Jim. David is the father of Amy, Lisa and Michael and grandfather of nine remarkable young people. Dr. Ayers was an associate professor of theatre at the Ohio State University and executive director of the American Playwrights' Theatre. For more than three decades he taught, directed and acted in plays and musicals at OSU. In 1970 he created the leading role in Lawrence and Lee's "The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail", and later directed the play at the Dallas Theatre Center. He also acted and directed for Players Theatre of Columbus and for the Contemporary American Theatre Company (CATCO). In World War II he served in the Navy and the Marine Corps in the South Pacific and in the Okinawa invasion. A family graveside memorial service is planned for a future date.
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Memories and Condolences
for David Ayers
Sponsored by The Columbus Dispatch.
April 27, 2019
My sincere condolences to the family and friends on such a great loss. May you find comfort in God's word at Is41:10
RIP
Herb USMC
April 26, 2019
Herb USMC
April 26, 2019
Herb USMC
April 26, 2019
And, Players Club
Herb USMC
April 26, 2019
Associate Professor
Herb USMC
April 26, 2019
Herb USMC
April 26, 2019
" ONE OF "
Herb USMC
April 26, 2019
Herb USMC
April 26, 2019
Herb USMC
April 26, 2019
Herb USMC
April 26, 2019
Herb USMC
April 26, 2019
Herb USMC
April 26, 2019
Herb USMC
April 26, 2019
Navy and Marines
Herb USMC
April 26, 2019
Herb Guyer-Sharfenaker USMC
April 26, 2019
God Bless/RIP.A heartfelt Thank YOU, David for your service in WWII. The USA would NOT be as it is today. I treasure the Freedoms for which YOU fought... And Semper Fi.
April 26, 2019
May the God of all comfort and mercy, grant your family hope, and comfort during this difficult time. Jeremiah 29:11
visiting with David, June of 2017 in his backyard
Terry Power
April 25, 2019
David taught me. More than just acting. I saw him once or twice a year, when I got back to Ohio. He was always welcoming and loved to talk about Jean and his kids and their kids. He is being missed.
Terry Power
Gary Molina
April 24, 2019
April 24, 2019
Just recently David canceled a luncheon with me. Little did I know that there would be no rescheduling.
I have such fond memories: first as a student in his acting course when I finally went back to finish my degree (learned so much!) The memories pile up ! Years later he took voice lessons from me; we appeared in the old Stadium Theatre; and more. Loved his wry sense of humor. Many treasured memories; he will be missed by so many. and never forgotten. My sincere condolences to his family. Bev Pettit
Jeanette Mcghee Columbus, Ohio
April 24, 2019
May the God of all comfort and mercy, grant the family hope and peace during this time of sorrow and sadness. Jeremiah 29:11,12.
April 24, 2019
May you find comfort and peace in your memories of your loved one. My the God of peace comfort you.
2 Thessalonians 2:16,17
Jeanette Mcghee Columbus, Ohio
April 24, 2019
May the God of all comfort and mercy, grant the family hope and peace during this time of sorrow and sadness. Jeremiah 29:11,12.
Kj
April 23, 2019
My condolences for your loss. May fond memories and the love of family and friends comfort you during this difficult time. Jeremiah 29:11.
Diane Isis Thurber
April 23, 2019
I really enjoyed my classes at OSU with Dr. Ayers but we shared a moment in the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC years after I graduated that means the most to me. We ran into each other in front of Georgia O'Keefe's giant iris painting and we talked for a long time about her and her work. Just two Art fans talking about their favorite artist. It was a genuine expression of love that allowed me to see another side of him and I have always appreciated him taking the time to chat with me there. I hope he is surrounded by all the artists he loved now. Peace and healing to his family, Diane Isis Thurber, OSU, 88.
"Columbus 1892", a CATCO production from 1992. David is standing at the far left. I am seated at the right.
Linda Dorff
April 23, 2019
I am so sad to read this. David was one of the most delightful friends I have ever known. His wicked sense of humor and wit was unique to him, and he will be remembered and missed by many. I worked with David several times in theatrical productions and have wonderful memories of him. Blessings to him and his family. Much love from Linda Dorff.
April 23, 2019
My sincere condolences to your family for the loss of your love one. May the God of comfort be with you during this sad occasion and may his loving words at Hosea 13:14 console your heart.
April 23, 2019
My sincere condolences to your family for the loss of your love one. May the God of comfort be with you during this sad occasion and may his loving words at John 6:40 console your heart.
GF
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