1960
2016
John P. Ayers, 56, of Lincoln, died Friday, September 23, 2016 at his home with family and friends by his side. He was born in Fairbury, Nebraska on July 1, 1960 to Ivan & Loretta (Culp) Ayers. John was a 1978 graduate of Fairbury High School. He received his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from UNO. He joined the Nebraska Army National Guard in 1982 where he served on active duty for over 26 years. He was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer Five through his 34 years of service. He served tours in Iraq, Jordan, and Kuwait. He received numerous military awards including; the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals. He was a member of V.F.W. Post #3606, CVMA and an active mentor in the TeamMates program. He enjoyed time with his family and friends. His hobbies included hunting, motorcycles and model trains. He was an active member of Christ Lutheran Church.
Survived by his wife Tami Ayers of Lincoln
Son & Daughter-in-law John F. & Amber Ayers of Hickman, NE
Daughter & Son-in-law Jamie & Cody Chambers of Bennet, NE
Daughter Mollie Ayers of Lincoln
Grandchildren: Allie, Aizlyn, Jaxson, Callen, Delilah, & Preslee
Parents Ivan & Loretta Ayers of Fairbury, NE
Siblings: Chris Robinson, Fred Ayers, Cheri (Mike) Williams & Jeri (Dennis) Stafford
Mother-in-law Sandy Czaplewski of Lincoln
Numerous nieces, nephews and many close friends.
Memorials to V.F.W. Post #3606, TeamMates of Lincoln, American Cancer Society or Christ Lutheran Church of Lincoln.
Visitation Tuesday, Sept. 27, 3 pm to 7 pm with family greeting friends 5 pm to 7 pm at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home 6800 So. 14th St.
Service 10:00 AM, Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016 at Christ Lutheran Church 4325 Sumner St.
Interment with Military Honors following service at Lincoln Memorial Park
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
October 20, 2017
Michael Czaplewski
John, We love you and miss you every day! Hoping you and dad are relaxing this holiday season and let us worry about how to fix the Cornhuskers!
November 10, 2016
Hay John this is lois here i know u already know Caleb came to see you today. He sure did think your name place was the biggest and the best out there. I sure did have a chuckle on that. Just wanted to let you know Caleb sure misses u I keep telling him you watch him every day now lol. Well until next week when he stops in after school
November 6, 2016
John Ayers
I love you dad
October 3, 2016
Michael Czaplewski
John, We love you and we miss you! It was my honor to get the chance to have you in our lives and thank you for taking such good care of Tami and all the children and grandchildren. I could not have asked for a better brother-in-law and such a great addition to our family.
Tami, I am so sorry for your loss. No more pain or suffering for John, only wrapped in Gods arms and reaping all that he sowed with his way too short time on earth.
September 30, 2016
Bill Norris
Mentor, teacher, leader, Chief, SGT, husband, dad, friend, smart, forward, patriotic, dedicated, visionary. The list could go on-and-on to describe John. At the end of the day, this man was a gift from God. Since, Feb 1987, you have mentored me, advised me on career issues. Told me what was best, and let me knew it, when I wasn't at my best. You spent time coaching me up for interviews, taking my son hunting with you. You made me laugh. You could articulate goals for me for self improvement. Sometimes I didn't listen, but I knew I should have. I could always count on a honest answer, weather it was what I wanted to hear, was irrelevant. Cordial, tactful and yet firm. That's what made you so great John. Your the reason I'm writing this from Fort Sam Houston, TX. When the announcement came out for the position at Fort Sam, you said, "Billy you need to get on this." Once again you were right and I'm on it my friend! Its not what you knew John, it was and will always be, how much you cared. I'm so glad I served with you. I will miss you forever John. Thank you for everything! Rest in Peace John. WE love you forever. GOD bless your family.
September 29, 2016
Molly Lilly
Sorry for your loss our prayers will continue for your family
September 27, 2016
Caleb Price
My condolences goes out to the Aries family.
John was a great mentor. I am grateful for the great 6 yrs they gave to each other through Teammates. Caleb was always excited for school to start so he could see John and tell him about his summer. Caleb will miss John tremendously he so looked up to him and always will. You will never be forgotten John. Thank you, God bless you John, you to will meet again.
September 27, 2016
Gregg Clement
John, you are a great leader and a great friend too. You will be sorely missed by your Guard family.
Godspeed you to Heaven, Sir!
September 27, 2016
Aquasha Garrett
Tami
I want to thank you and john for getting me through the deployments and making me feel like family during that time, and from my family to yours my condolences on the loss of a great man and leader and prayers for healing.
September 27, 2016
Bob Harpst
Chief;
You were a positive mentor and inspiration to so many. Never a dull moment when you were around. It was an honor to serve by your side for so many years. Rest in Peace, my friend and may God's blessings be upon your family.
September 27, 2016
Drey Ihm
You have no idea the amount of happiness and hard work you not only brought to all of us but inspired within us. John, may you now rest knowing your hard work and the happiness it has left with us is truly appreciated.
September 27, 2016
Craig & Jen Strong
John was truly a pleasure and a joy to be around. His wit and wisdom left a lasting impression on us all. He will never be forgotten.
September 27, 2016
Kristin Heath
Tami, and family!
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of John! You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers that you may find comfort and peace through Him, and in all who love and surround you. May John rest in peace in the arms of our good Lord! God bless you and your family!
Sincerely,
Kristin (Edwards) Heath '91
Alumni Director
Pius X High School
September 27, 2016
Cameron McPherson
I had the great pleasure of not only knowing this great man but also deploying with him as well. His personality and humor stood out above the rest and helped me get through that year. He not only represents what it means to be a solider but a leader as well. Chief, as you may be gone you are definitely not forgotten. Your words and jokes will always be on my mind. Godspeed Chief!
September 26, 2016
Laurie Good
Rest in Peace, Chief Ayers. It was an honor to serve with you overseas and through all the years in the Guard. You serve in God's army now.
September 26, 2016
Suzanne Frasier
So many people were blessed to have John Ayers in their life. He was taken from us way too soon. Ever the soldier, he fought a hard battle! To the Ayers family, our deepest prayers are with you at this very difficult time. Rest in peace John.
September 26, 2016
John Wagner
With Deepest Sympathy to the Ayers Family
September 26, 2016
Tom and Julee Shunk
Rest in Peace Chief! You were one of "The Best". Your concern for fellow Soldiers was always displayed and was appreciated by many!
September 26, 2016
Ken & Mary Meyer
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. John will always be remembered as a great fellow member of the NEARNG Personnel Services Branch.
September 26, 2016
brad and lurri schoenrock and families
You are all in out thoughts n prayers. John thought very hard and long fight and is now he is pain free and singing with the angels. John will always be by your side. "When someone we love is in heaven theres a little bit of heaven in our home"
September 26, 2016
Chad Stevens
1 Peter 3:17 states "For it is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." John was a good man that worked so hard to do good for the Soldiers and Families of the Nebraska National Guard. His good work will out shine the suffering we all have felt and will feel. We were all blessed to have known him. Chad Stevens
September 26, 2016
Susan Wendling
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. John will be missed. Rest in peace.
September 26, 2016
David Nore
So very sorry to hear of your loss, our thoughts and prayers for peace are with your family.
September 26, 2016
Bill Nelson
Rest in peace, my friend. May God keep you and your family in His hands. Bill and Yvonne Nelson
September 26, 2016
Our deepest condolences to Tami and all the members of the Ayers and Czaplewski families. Our prayers are with you.
Russ and Peggy Czaplewski
September 25, 2016
Mark Forster
The thoughts and prayers of the entire National Guard family are with the Ayers family in this difficult time. John will be missed by everyone.
September 25, 2016
May you find comfort from God
Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more