Merle E. Ayers, 82, a resident of the Trinity Living Center in Grove City, for the past 1½ years, died at 2:54 a.m. Monday at the Grove City Medical Center. He formerly lived on Enterprise Road, GroveCity.

Born in Universal, Pa., Aug. 12, 1926, he was the son of Edward Ayers and Kathryn (Bracco) Ayers.

He was a carpenter out of Local 165 of the Carpenters'Union for more than 40 years and retired in 1986.

Mr. Ayers was of the Protestant faith.

He was an avid hunter. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Surviving are four sons, Joseph G. Ayers and his wife, Vickie, of Tarentum, John M. Ayers and his wife, Lisa, of Grove City, James E. Ayers and his wife, Becky, of Harrisville and Ricky D. Ayers of Stoneboro; six grandchildren; and a sister, Blanche, of Penn Hills.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Vera M. (Keblitis) Ayers, who died in February 1969; a son, Mark A. Ayers; a sister; and four brothers.

<B>AYERS </B>— Friends of Merle E. Ayers, who died Monday, Feb. 2, 2009, may call from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the <B>Jamison Funeral Home</B>, 117 N. Main St., Harrisville. Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home with Pastor Chris J. Clark, of the Chapel on the Hill, Emlenton, officiating. Burial will be at the Crestview Memorial Park, Pine Township, Mercer County.