Keith Eugene Ayers

Keith Eugene Ayers, 77, Nevada, passed away on Thursday, June 16, 2011, at Nevada Regional Medical Center. He was born Sept. 13, 1933, in Nevada, to Oren Dale Ayers and Zola Mae Clark Ayers. He married R. Beverly Stephens on April 12, 1973, in Nevada, and she survives of the home.

Keith was reared and educated in Walker and graduated from Walker High School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955 and spent time in Korea. Keith was a graduate of Fort Scott Junior College and then pursued his education following the service at Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kan., where he graduated with a business degree. Keith worked for the Nevada Welfare Office for several years as a social worker. He retired from the Nevada State School and Hospital on April 1, 1993. He was a member of the First Christian Church, a former member of the Nevada Lions Club, and the Sons of Confederate Veterans. He was a longtime member and avid golfer at the Nevada Country Club and was a devoted Chiefs fan.

Survivors in addition to his wife, Beverly, include one stepson, Stephen Mabry, Nevada; one granddaughter, Maddison Mabry, Nevada; one sister-in-law, Mazie Ayers, Owasso, Okla.; two nieces, Gwen Walker, Ovilla, Texas, and Kari Levy, Frisco, Texas; one nephew, Kendell Ayers, Yukon, Okla.; several great-nieces; and three great-nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, June 20, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, with the Rev. Dub Steincross of Kansas City, Mo., officiating. Interment will follow in National Cemetery, Fort Scott, Kan. Friends may call now and until the hour of service and the family will receive friends from 9-10 a.m., prior to the service on Monday.

Those who wish may contribute in his memory to the First Christian Church or the charity of your choice in care of Ferry Funeral Home, 301 S. Washington, Nevada.

View obituary and send condolences on line at www.ferryfuneralhome.com