Donald Lynn Ayers

Donald Lynn Ayers was born in Oklahoma City, OK, on December 9, 1939, and went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, following a brief illness. Don grew up in Oklahoma City, OK, and a child, Don would wake up early so he could help neighbors with all kinds of projects. Don graduated from NW Classen High School. While in high school a teacher gave Don flying lessons. In 1960, Don began working at the Paseo Plunge pool and met the love of his life, Carole Ann Ayers. They were married on October 7, 1961 in Oklahoma City, and had four children. Don enlisted in the army and was stationed in California and Texas while Carole finished nursing school. After being honorably discharged from the armed services, Don returned to Oklahoma City, OK, and joined the Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) in 1965 as a patrol officer. When asked why he wanted to join the police department, Don said, “to help people.” Carole helped Don get his pilot’s license and he worked as a part-time flight instructor at Wiley Post Airport. In 1972, Don ultimately incorporated his dream of flying when he was asked to be a founding member of the Oklahoma City Police Department Helicopter Unit. Don worked hard to make sure this newly formed unit was successful, performing all of the maintenance, and teaching all of his fellow unit members how to fly a helicopter. Many have professed that had it not been for Don’s hard work and tireless efforts, the OCPD Air Support Unit would not be in existence today. Away from work, Don restored an AT-6 Texan, which was used to train pilots in WWII. He flew with enthusiasm with the Confederate Airforce and participated in numerous airshows through the years. Don retired from the OCPD in August 1991. Don hung up his wings and began restoring wooden boats with his two sons. With skilled hands, they restored classic beauties to their original splendor. Don also continued to find ways to serve others, including setting up emergency communications, feeding rescuers through the Salvation Army, and hauling debris and damaged vehicles with Arrow Wrecker, following the bombing of the Murrah Building in Oklahoma City. His faithful dog, “Blue Thunder,” became a service dog providing needed respite to weary rescuers. Most recently, Don worked with a local grocery store to put together food boxes for families in need. Don and Carole made Lake Texoma their home after Carole retired where they enjoyed fishing and hosting friends and relatives. They created a week-long summer camp for their grandchildren named, “Camp Nanahoma,” that lasted for 20 years. They also became very involved with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, following Carole’s Native American roots. Don fell in love with the Choctaw people and community, and spoke Choctaw at every opportunity. Don also loved supporting his wife Carole in all of her endeavors. Don’s lifelong hobbies, included caring for animals, bee-keeping, fishing, being a HAM radio operator, restoring wooden boats, riding motorcycles, classic cars, building and flying model airplanes, and just being with his family and friends. Don’s motto in life was, “be happy,” and he inspired a countless number people during his lifetime. He loved making new friends and is fiercely loved by his family. He loved the Lord and we know without a doubt he is “soaring with eagles.” Don as preceded in death by his parents Harold and Eton Ayers; sister Janet Bearrow and son-in-law Larry Rice. Loved ones left behind to continue his legacy are his loving and devoted wife of 60-plus years Carole Ayers of the home; beloved children Cindy Rice of Chelsea, OK, Stacy Pierce and husband Greg of Oklahoma City, OK, Mark Ayers and wife Tara of The Village, OK, Don Ayers and wife Erin MacKinnon of Las Vegas, NV, and Tuula Franck of Helsinki, Finland; grandchildren Daniel Wilson, Aaron Wilson, Carole Ann Wilson, Dylan Davis, Weston Wilson, Amanda Crowe, James Wilson, Cecilia Pierce, Elora Ayers, Amelia Mansell and husband Brandon, and Jackson Pierce; 6 great grandchildren and numerous extended family and friends. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, June 18, 2022, at Hillside Cemetery in Purcell, OK. The family will receive friends at the Funeral Home on Friday evening at 7:00 PM. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.brownsfuneralervice.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Brown’s Durant Funeral and Cremation Service. https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/JKHML7R33C9H65G4

Donald Lynn Ayers

December 9, 1939 - June 14, 2022