Clarence A. "Bud" Ayers

Clarence A. “Bud” Ayers, of Phoenixville, formerly of Maryland and McKeesport, passed away Thursday, February 13, 2014 in Phoenixville Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Thelma (Lindberg) Ayers for 65 years. He was 87.

Born in McKeesport, he was the son of the late Clarence and Glenna (Halle) Ayers. Bud was a 1944 class valedictorian at McKeesport High School.

Mr. Ayers was a U.S. Navy veteran, having served in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II.

With his wife, Bud had enjoyed 25 years of residence on Maryland’s Eastern Shore before moving to Phoenixville in 2009.

Clarence had been employed by the former Bell of Pennsylvania for 37 years, retiring in 1982 in personnel management.

A 32nd Degree Mason, Mr. Ayers was a member of Alliquippa Lodge No. 375, McKeesport and the Valley of Coudersport Consistory, Coudersport. He had also been a member of the Boumi Shriners Temple, Baltimore.

An avid golfer, Bud also enjoyed reading and boating. He was formerly a Lt. Cmdr. in the Ocean City, Maryland U. S. Power Squadron.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Ayers is survived by two sons: Edward Ayers and his wife, Regina, of Perkasie, and Ronald Ayers and his wife, Michele, of Sellersville.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Laverne Jones and Geraldine Mansfield.

His funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2014, in the Betty Meier Steeley Funeral Home, 87 North Main Street, Sellersville, PA 18960, where a visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

Interment will follow in Whitemarsh Memorial Park, Prospectville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Ayers’ name to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 3551 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140.