David Richard Ayres

David R. “Dave” Ayres, age 90, of Plano, Texas, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 20, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. A devoted husband, father, patriot, and man of deep faith, Dave’s life was distinguished by his honorable military service and unwavering commitment to his family and community. He was married to his cherished wife, Elizabeth J. (Vanecek) Ayres, for 67 years.

Dave was born on July 16, 1935, in Boston, Massachusetts. When he was 13 years old, he decided that he wanted to fly airplanes in the US Navy. At age 17, he persuaded his mother to sign for him to join the Naval Air Reserves at NAS Squantum, Massachusetts on February 6, 1953. After graduating from Boston Technical High School in 1953, he pursued the Naval Aviation Cadet Program, reporting to NAVCAD Class 34-55 in Pensacola, Florida, on October 1, 1955.

Dave earned his wings as a Naval Aviator and completed jet training by May 1957. He married Elizabeth “Betty” Vanecek of Sinton, Texas, on November 23rd, 1957, beginning a marriage that would span 67 years and produce 5 children, 14 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.

His first flying assignment was with VA-36, piloting the A4D-2 Douglas Skyhawk. From 1960 to 1963, Dave attended the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering and a Master’s Degree in Mathematics. He was assigned to Heavy Attack Squadron 10 and flew the Douglas A3B Skywarrior, the largest carrier-based aircraft in the Navy. His naval logbook records over 2,700 flight hours and 290 carrier landings, including three carrier deployments.

Dave served as Staff Analysis Officer at the Operational Test and Evaluation Force in Norfolk, Virginia, and later as Engineering Division Director at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, California, where he also flew as an acceptance test pilot.

In 1970, Dave was assigned to Naval Air Systems Command headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia, managing advanced electronic warfare and command and control systems programs. He played a key role in integrating sophisticated tactical command and control systems aboard the USS Kitty Hawk and facilitated radar and antenna development cooperation between the Navy and Air Force. Notably, he initiated the exploitation of a Russian SUNVISOR shipboard radar system.

After 23 years of honorable service, Dave retired as a Commander and Designated Acquisition Manager on September 1, 1975. During his military career, he was recognized with numerous medals and commendations including the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal, and the National Defense Medal.

Following his naval career, Dave enjoyed successful careers in aerospace development and management consulting, including significant contributions to the Joint Strike Fighter program from 2000 to 2009. He officially retired in 2010 and devoted his time to family, church activities, and service projects with the Knights of Columbus and Stephen Ministry.

Dave is survived by his wife, Betty; his daughter, Cecilia Combe, and son-in-law, Michael Combe; his daughter, Susan Vickerman, and son-in-law, Craig Day; his son, Stephen Ayres, and daughter-in-law, Julie Ayres; his son, John Ayres, and daughter-in-law, Amy Ayres; his daughter, Catherine Hollifield, and son-in-law, Kevin Hollifield; and his grandchildren, Elizabeth (Joshua), Michelle, Christine (Steve), Mary, Jeffrey (Michelle), Christopher, Samantha, John (Jesse), Natalie, Charles , Emily, Noah and Sydney; great-grandchildren Valerie, Gwendolyn, Christopher, Samantha, William, Laura, Cecilia, Lindsey, Emma, London, Wesley, Eleanor, Aaron, Katherine, Daniel, David, and Matthew, who will always carry with them the family history and experiences they shared with him. Extended family includes brother, Lloyd Goodrich (Carole), sister-in-law Barbara Vanecek, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother Kenneth, his parents, his son-in-law Christopher, his granddaughter Jennifer, and his grandson-in-law Michael.

An open visitation and rosary will be held Monday, December 1st, 2025 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at Ted Dickey West Funeral Home, 7990 President George Bush Turnpike, Dallas, TX 75252, with the rosary starting at 6:30pm.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church on December 2, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., followed by interment with full military honors at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery at 2:15 p.m.

Dave’s service and sacrifice will be forever honored and remembered by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.