Michael Earl Ayers

Michael Earl Ayres, 62, of Norman, Oklahoma, died Wednesday, March 3, 2004 in Norman, Oklahoma. Services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, March 6, 2004 at Havenbrook Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Virgil Trout and Rev. Thom Balmer officiating. Interment will follow at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery, 1913 N. Porter in Norman, Oklahoma. Pallbearers will be Tilt Brown, Charles England, Glenn Floyd, Judge Farrell Hatch, Ed Mills and Steve Owens. Services are under the direction of Havenbrook Funeral Home of Norman, Oklahoma. Michael was born on August 28, 1941 in Sherman, Texas to Ernest Earl and Lavada Ables Ayres. Mike grew up in Madill, Oklahoma, later moved to Norman and graduated from Norman High School before going on to his beloved University of Oklahoma. Mike began his business career as an executive trainee at Liberty National Bank in Oklahoma City and served as an officer for 9 years before moving to Durant Bank & Trust in Durant, Oklahoma. He later moved to Ardmore to begin his career with State Farm Insurance. He lived in Ardmore for 25 years before moving to Norman to become a State Farm Agent. Mike was a loyal fan and supporter of OU athletics and was recently honored for his longtime commitment to the university. He is survived by the loves of his life, his wife Sandra; their two sons and families, Michael & Lori Ayres and their children, Ashton & Dillon of Wichita, Kansas and Gregory E. and Leslie Ayres and their son, Clayton of Sulphur, Oklahoma. He is also survived by his mother, Lavada Ayres of Tulsa; sister, Jan Young of Tulsa, nephew, Stu Young of Oklahoma City; niece, Stacey Cook of Tulsa; and mother-in-law, Mildred Wallace of Ardmore. He was preceded in death by his father Ernest Earl Ayres and his father in law, Fred B. Wallace. Mike was a friend to all and was loved by all who knew him. He cherished his family and friends who were always so important to him. Mike loved his life on this earth and always smiled through the pain. Shortly after being diagnosed with cancer, his loyal and wonderful staff presented him with this poem, written by Andrea Terrell, as a gift to their beloved boss and friend. It speaks volumes about Mike, his courage, strength, and his love of life, family and friends. The Lighthouse The gentle blue waves caress the soft sands, Of the ocean shoreline where the old lighthouse stands, It serves as a beacon for ships in the night, Constant and steadfast, a true guiding light. Like a candle reflecting the calm ocean blue, Tranquil and serene, its light steady and true. And when the storms rage, it illuminates the sky, When its ships are in peril, on its light they rely. For many years this radiant light has had life, And for all those years they've been husband and wife. A beautiful girl and a charismatic man, Vowed to be faithful as their journey began. Their bond was unbreakable, her love was sincere, His devotion to his family was abundantly clear. Their lives richly blessed with two wonderful sons, They built a strong family where the Red River runs. Their children would blossom, set sail on their own, If guidance they needed, the lighthouse still shone. With each passing year, their love flowed like the tide, As each grandchild was born, they were bursting with pride. The cornerstone that's kept their family strong, Their union has blessed them for forty years long. In good times and bad, through sunshine and rains , Although change is constant, the lighthouse remains. Send condolences online at http:// www.havenbrookfuneralhome.co m/Obituaries.html