Robert C. "Bob" Ayers

1926 - 2022

Robert C. "Bob" Ayers, 96, of Indianapolis, a former Frankfort resident, died April 7, 2022, at Spring Mill Meadows, Indianapolis. He was born Feb. 23, 1926, in Frankfort to Lloyd & Ruby (Reed) Ayers. He was previously married to Oma Hildebrandt.

Bob was a 1945 graduate of Frankfort High School. A veteran, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps during WWII. He worked for Standard Oil, John P. Pearl & Assoc., and AGIA Insurance Administrators. He was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church.

His was also a member of the American Legion Post 12, Forty & Eight, was a previous member of Lions Club, Moose Lodge and Elks Lodge. As a member of the American Legion, he received the American Legion Distinguished Leader Award, and was the longest living past Dept. Commander of the State of Indiana (1969-1970), Past Commander, Vice Commander, District Commander and State Commander. He was awarded Sagamore of the Wabash by former Governor Otis Bowen. Bob was one of two male cheerleaders when Frankfort went to the State Basketball Finals at Butler Field House in 1942. He was a longtime fan of the Cincinnati Reds.

Bob is survived by his daughter, Pamela (Jack) Petrilli of Canada, three sons, Kenneth Ayers of Indianapolis, Keith Michael "Mike" Ayers of Indianapolis, Rob Ayers of Denver, CO, brother: Kenneth (Nancy) Ayers of Union City, IN, nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Doris Ayers, and Carol Stringer, brothers, Paul Ayers, Roy "Taxi" Ayers, James Ayers, and Don Ayers.

Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. Friday, April 15, 2022, at Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main St., Frankfort. Funeral services will begin at 4 p.m. at the funeral home. The service will be live-streamed, please visit goodwinfuneralhome.com to access the link or leave a condolence for the family. Burial with Military Rites will be in Bunnell Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to American Legion Baseball Department of Indiana, 5440 Herbert Lord Road, Indianapolis, IN 46216.