Elmer Ayers

1945 - 2023

Elmer Ayers
February 12, 1945 - March 24, 2023
Kennewick, Washington - Elmer Eugene (Gene) Ayers was born Monday, February twelfth, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred forty-five in Yakima, Washington to Robert and Lucille Ayers. He lost his battle with multiple myeloma cancer and peacefully passed at home, surrounded by family, into the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, March twenty-forth, in the year of our Lord two-thousand twenty-three at eight twenty-five in the evening at the age of seventy-eight.
Gene enlisted into the Marine Corps in 1966 and was in country in Vietnam for one tour through Da Nang and Chu Lai serving through the first Tet Offensive reaching the rank of sergeant before being discharged in 1970. His eldest grandson Hunter has been a Marine for the past two and a half years. During the last few minutes of life, Hunter told Gene, "You are relieved, we have the watch." Gene proceeded to put his thumbs-up and drew his last breath where he had not been able to move or talk since the day before.
Gene and Kathie met in college in Yakima before he enlisted into the Marine Corps. Throughout his life Gene was willing to drop everything as an emergency response to help any family member in need across the country. He was a long-time member of the Church of Christ since 1972.
"The most significant event in my life ever, and having effect throughout my life, is searching for the truth and finding it in Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Salvation for my sins, a new life and being in heaven with God for eternity. Done it right." -Gene Ayers
We were so very blessed to have him in our lives.
Gene had a variety of occupations through the years to take care of his family including several years with Local 598 as a pipefitter / welder and working with Xerox and Moon Security for several years.
Gene enjoyed many things in life. From an early age he relished math, maps, driving and playing chess. He was a consummate learner, always reading about and researching history. He loved studying the scriptures and sharing God's word with others. He also enjoyed woodworking, activities with family and playing with the grandkids. Later in life he picked up sudoku as a constant hobby wherever he found himself. Throughout life he always had a keen sense of dry humor.
Gene is survived by his wife of almost 56 years, Kathie. Four children, Paul (Tammy), Steve (Jessica), Phil (Lisa), and Sarah. Eight grandchildren, Hunter, Auchlyn, Katelyn, Daniel, Miranda, Alyssa, Kaleb, and Violet. His brothers Louie, James, and one sister, Marcella Myles. And several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Mardenna, and several nieces and nephews.
We want to thank the many doctors, nurses and others who were all instrumental with Gene's continued health and quality of life over the past two years. Especially, Stephen Wendt, Tim Miller, and all the nurses at Atomic Home Health, Dr. Chintapatla and everyone at the Kadlec Tri-Cities Cancer Center, Dr. Hoitink and everyone at the VA, Dr. Roberto Valdez and his valued support for veterans of foreign wars, and everyone at Kadlec Hospital through his nine hospital stays. We also want to thank all our friends and family all over the world throughout the years.
Memorial Service:
Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at 2 p.m.
Richland Church of Christ
933 Thayer Drive, Richland, Washington
Corner of Swift & Thayer
Graveside Service:
Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at 11 a.m.
Desert Lawn Memorial Park
1401 South Union Street, Kennewick, Washington
Corner of 10th & Union