George L. "Les" Ayers

George Lester “Les” Ayers, 90, passed away, Monday, September 16, 2024 at Jefferson Community Health and Life in Fairbury, NE, after having a stroke. He was a resident of Cedarwood Assisted Living for the past 11 months in Fairbury, where he was treated so kindly and enjoyed the staff working there.

Les was born June 21, 1934 in Delphos, KS the son of George Levi and Edith Pearl (Haggert) Ayers. In 1953, he graduated from Morrowville High School. He worked many places but most of his stories were about his truck driving days. He worked for Johnson Truck Line hauling freight and livestock, later purchasing the business from his father-in-law, Alfred Johnson. He later went to work for Endicott Brick and retired after twenty years with them.

During his retirement years, Les spent time driving people to doctors’ appointments, helping the grandchildren change oil and mowing yards. He enjoyed shooting trap and skeet, fishing and coaching the boys in baseball. He loved country music, and attended many concerts in Salina and Branson, MO. Les took his family on many vacations during the summer. He was a regular at Short Stop and Casey’s for coffee with friends. 

On June 13, 1954, he married Shirley Johnson at Throop Church. Born to this union were Leigh Ann, James Lester, Shirley Lynn and David Leon.

Les married Berneice (Girard) Esslinger on July 3, 1980 and added a blended family to include Jim Esslinger and JoAnn Rose.

Preceding him in death were his parents; wife, Berneice; daughter, Leigh Ann DeVol; son, James Ayers; and brothers, Fred Ayers, Ivan Ayers; sister-in-law, Loretta Ayers; and grandchildren, Donna June Ayers, Teresa Esslinger and Johnathan Esslinger.

Survivors include daughter, Shirley (Gerry) Frager, Morrowville; son, David (Becky) Ayers, Tonganoxie; stepchildren, Jim (Alice) Esslinger and JoAnn (DeWayne) Rose; sister-in-law, Julie Ayers, Downs; grandchildren, Kelsey (Jason) Thomas, Chantel (Patrick) Cherney, Scott Weber, David (Shari) Weber, Shannon (Jeff) Pelzel, Christopher Ayers, DJ Ayers, Melissa (Alex) Coonrod, Tyler (Sam) Rose and Justin (Megan) Esslinger; and many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A private family burial will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Washington Ball Association and sent in care of Ward Funeral Home, Washington.