Thomas J. Ayers

Thomas J. Ayers, age 89 of Dover died Friday, April 25, 2007 following an extended illness. Born September 10, 1918, he was the son of the late Thomas J. Ayers Sr. and Hattie Tschantz Ayers Shull. Tom was a 1938 Dover High School graduate, enlisted in the US Air Force serving from 1940 1945 as a flight engineer/crew chief overseas in the China Burma India theater of WWII.

Tom wed the love of is life Esther Zofrea on September 28, 1946 and they were married for almost 61 years before Esther's death on September 26, 2007.

Tom is survived by three sisters Evelyn Ditto of New Philadelphia, Roberta Ford of Newark and Shirley Shull of Dover, three children Donald (wife Evie) Ayers-Marsh of Syracuse, NY, Jane (husband Dave) Gingrich of Dover and Thomas A. (wife Christine) Ayers of Canton; six grandchildren: Amanda Ayers and Thomas J. Ayers both of Columbus, Malissa Ayers of Canton, Benjamin Gingrich of Cleveland, Adam & Joseph Gingrich both of Dover; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, Tom was preceded in death by a twin sister Virginia Jamison, brother Robert Shull Jr. and sister Arlene Stanton.

Tom retired from General Electric at Dover after 37 years as Supervisor of maintenance and facilities. A talented woodcrafter, Tom was also known for his ingenuity and an ability to fix anything at home or work. Favorite pastimes included family vacations in Canada, fishing, canoeing, gardening and spending time with his family. Tom and Esther traveled extensively visiting China, Hong Kong, Alaska and vacationed on numerous cruises to the Caribbean and South America. His adventurous spirit took him everywhere from snow skiing with his children in the 1960s to rafting the Colorado River in his 70's. He had a great love for the outdoors, and especially fishing.

He was a member of St Johns United Church of Christ, Dover, CBI Hump Pilots Association and a former longtime member of the Tuscarawas County YMCA.

Tom was a devoted husband, father and grandfather whose greatest joys were his wife and family. "Grandpa" leaves many wonderful memories with his grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

A celebration of Tom's life will be held on Tuesday at 10:00am at St John's United Church of Christ at Dover with Rev Michael Lowry officiating. Internment will be at Dover Burial Park. A reception will follow in the church fellowship center. Friends may call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home in Dover on Monday from 6:00 8:00.

Those wishing to express their fondest memories of Thomas may do so by visiting the on line obituaries link on the funeral homes website.

Contributions may be made in memory of Tom to St. John's United Church of Christ, 409 N. Wooster Ave, Dover, OH 44622.

Toland-Herzig
330-343-6132
www.tolandherzig.com