Mostly Clear, 49° F
(July 7, 2006)
Daniel William Ayres, 77, died July 7 at home in Cody.
He was born in Bozeman, Mont., on April 8, 1929, the son of Roy R. and Verna M. Ayres. He graduated from Gallatin County High School and attended Montana State University, Bozeman, and the University of Montana in Missoula.
He was married on Aug. 16, 1951 to Ann McCormick.
He attended the United Methodist Church and Harvest Worship center. He served in the Montana National Guard and was an active Gideon, a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity , a certified swimming and sailing instructor and a 4-H leader.
Ayers was a sandblast artist in the Bozeman Granite Works, a family-owned business. He also worked as a dairy-route driver, proprietor of Rainbow Water Service, a real estate broker, and a charter tour bus driver. He especially enjoyed tours into Yellowstone Park. After his retirement, he drove the ski bus for Sleeping Giant.
He claimed to be a lover, not a fighter. He brought adventure to his family with camping trips and Jeep outings. Other hobbies included sailing, swimming and skiing.
He is survived by his wife, Ann; five children, Medora (Tom) O’Connor, Clifford (Robin) Ayres, Jefferson (Sheila) Ayres, Christina (Tim) Cully, Stephen (Susan) Ayers; Grandchildren, Jenora Haxton, Ann (Chris) Manford, Jana Haxton, David Haxton, Paul Ayres, Lindsay ayres, Hannah (Peter) Beamsley, Isaiah (Ashley) Cully, Samuel Cully and Rebekah Cully; a sister, Jean (George) Walton; a niece and a nephew.
A granddaughter, Joanna Cully, preceded him in death.
Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday at Cody United Methodist Church, 1405 Beck Ave., in Cody.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cody United Methodist Church Foundation, P.O. Box 1416, Cody, WY 82414.
