Charles L. Ayres

York Township - Charles LeVerne Ayres, age 92, passed at Geisinger Holy Spirit Hospital in Camp Hill on September 21. He is survived by his wife of sixty-seven years, Norma Jean Shearer of Jacobus.

He is also survived by his four children (Bradley, Brenda, Susan, and David), seven grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Children to Brad and Sue (née Young) are Tiffany and Daniel, and children to Dan and Gretchen (née Karmasek) are Moira and Keira. Children to Dave and Sheila (née Sickles) are Hope (married to Justin Radanovic), Katey, Kacy, Seth, and Will. Sue is married to Rick Hirsch.

The youngest of nine children to Oscar David and Maude Malinda Carman Ayres, Buddy, as he was called then, grew up in Stewartstown during the Great Depression. He was a volunteer firefighter in Stewartstown until, at 16, he volunteered for the U.S. Navy. For three-and-a-half years, he was a machinist on naval boats that saw action in the Gilbert and Marshall Islands Campaign during World War II. For his service and bravery, he was decorated with the Pacific Theater Ribbon, the American Theater Ribbon, the Victory Medal, and two bronze stars.

Charlie worked as a machinist for Sylvania Electric in York until his retirement in 1988.

In 1958 the family settled in Shrewsbury where Charlie volunteered as a firefighter and was the engineer who took care of the vehicles. In 1966 the family moved to York Township where he volunteered as a firefighter for Station 19, the York Township Goodwill Fire Company. He became a fire policeman and was twice awarded the Fire Policeman of the Year. He also volunteered with the Isaac Walton League, the VFW, and the American Legion.

Besides being a beloved husband and father, an exemplary employee, and a generous volunteer, Charlie was a member of Grace Methodist Church in Shrewsbury and later, until his death, of Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Dallastown.

Although he will be terribly missed by those he leaves behind, he said several times before passing that he had had a good life. We who knew him say that the world was a better place for having had Charlie Ayres in it. As for Jesus, no doubt He welcomed him with open arms, saying, "Well done, Buddy, my good and faithful servant!"

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, September 26 at the Susquehanna Memorial Gardens. Family and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery entrance by 10:45 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations be made in Charles' name to Bethlehem UMC, 109 E Main St, Dallastown, PA 17313.

The Austin H. Eberly Funeral Home, Inc., Dallastown is in charge of arrangements.