Gerald Bud Ayers
Jan. 12, 1939 – Feb. 20, 2022
Gerald Bud Ayers, 83, of New Castle passed away Sun., Feb. 20, 2022 at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis.
He was born in New Castle, Ind., on Jan. 12, 1939, to William (Bill) and Anna (Vitatoe) Ayers.
Shortly after high school, Mr. Ayers married the love of his life, Ruth Ann Walden, and had three sons. The two were married for 64 years. They shared a long life of love and affection with their family. He loved his family unconditionally and was always there to help and support. He recently said “nothing gave him more joy than sitting around a big table enjoying a meal with his family.”
Mr. Ayers graduated from New Castle High School in 1957 and attended Ball State University before pursuing his entrepreneurial dreams of owning his own grocery store. He owned multiple stores in New Castle and Indianapolis. Additionally, he worked for Chrysler Corporation.
He had a love of politics and was elected mayor of New Castle in 1979 and served for twelve years. After his tenure as mayor, Mr. Ayers remained active in politics through various roles in city government.
Whether serving as high school class president, collecting donations to build the fieldhouse, playing a role in bringing the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame to town, or serving as mayor, he was devoted to his community. He was always willing to help a person in need.
Some of Mr. Ayer’s accomplishments include being a member of the National Honor Society, an All-Conference and All-State football player, as well as an innovator in business. He achieved many milestones. He received the Sagamore of the Wabash Award from Governor Bayh and The Community Service Award: State of Indiana by Governor Orr.
Mr. Ayer’s was a firm believer in God and often loved to tell about his Sunday School teacher at the First Friends Church, who taught him to recite scripture every day, which he did. His favorite scripture passage is Psalm 23. He attended both Foursquare Gospel Church of New Castle and First Apostolic Church of New Castle.
Survivors include wife Ruth; sons Gary (Dawn) Ayers of Indianapolis, Greg (Monica) Ayers of Noblesville and Randy (Julie) Ayers of Columbus, Ohio; granddaughters Macy (Bryce) Bennett and Anne (Will) Brokaw; grandsons Ryan (Kimberly) Ayers, Jackson Stollings and Gabriel Stollings; great-granddaughters Lauren Ayers and Devyn Ayers; and many nieces, nephews & cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Joann Owens; and a cousin, raised as a brother, Joe Huddleston.
Services are scheduled be held at 2 p.m. Sat., Feb. 26, 2022 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with The Rev. Lane Fairchild & The Rev. Shelly Dennis officiating. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery.
Visitation is scheduled be from 12 p.m. until time of services Sat. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, 1 Hall of Fame Court, New Castle, Ind. 47362.
You may express condolences or share a memory of Mr. Ayers at www.hinsey-brown.com.