Ayers, Robert William, passed away, Sunday, April 14, 2024.

Beloved husband of Shawn E. Ayers (nee Kelly) and the late Kathleen C. Ayers. Dear father of Jeffrey (Jennifer) Ayers, Brian (Crystal) Ayers and Beth Ayers. Step-father of Ryan (Brittany) Atkinson, Evan (Tara) Atkinson and Alec (Colleen) Atkinson. Loving grandfather of Isham Hamilton, Kendra Ayers, Chase Ayers, Ava Atkinson, Clare Atkinson, Bernadette Atkinson and Mary Atkinson. Dear brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and friend.

Bob was an amazing husband, father and grandfather. He loved his family and would gladly share stories with anyone who asked about them. Those who knew his friendship learned what being a true friend meant. Football was his number one passion. In addition to playing some football in his early Mizzou days, he coached at Parkway West High School and Eureka High School for a time. Watching the KC Chiefs win the 2024 AFC Conference Championship with his grandson, Isham (another avid football fan), in his hospital room the day after his first chemo treatment was a special highlight for Bob. His wife, Shawn, would check the TV schedule for Mizzou and the Kansas City Chiefs before making weekends plans. Bob always told her not to worry about it but she knew how much he loved cheering on his two favorite teams. Whenever time allowed Bob and Shawn enjoyed going to restaurants, festivals, art fairs, music concerts, history and art museums and in particular, the St. Louis Zoo. A true history buff he enjoyed reading or watching anything related to American History. In 2000 he medaled 4 times in Track and Field events at the Show Me State Sr. Olympic Games. Bob was also a fantastic woodworker and handyman. His talents ranged from making furniture to fixing things around the house to constructing mangers for the grandchildren's Christmas decorations and anything that would help his wife with her crafting. Sunny Destin, Florida was his favorite vacation destination where he would visit his two sons and their families and play with his grandchildren, Kendra and Chase, on the beach. On random Saturdays he enjoyed taking a drive down to The Hill to hang out with his "Little Girl Gang" (aka Ava, Clare, Bernadette and Mary). He was very proud of the time he served with the U.S. Army, particularly when he was called back in order to participate in the Military Funeral Honors Program to provide assistance in planning, preparing and providing Military Funeral Honors for veterans being buried at Jefferson Barracks and other cemeteries in Missouri. His last position before retirement was working as a teacher's aide in the Special School District for grades K-2. He accepted this job after caring for his first wife, Kathie, as she battled cancer for many years. He said he wanted to do something that made a difference. He loved those children and found great satisfaction in working with them to help them learn.

Bob's family would like to thank the amazing team of doctors and nurses with Mercy Hospital, Pratt Oncology, Mercy's Hospital at Home team and Bethesda Skilled Nursing for their dedication to providing excellent care.

Services: Visitation at the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin, Wednesday, April 24, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 12:00 p.m. Interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to American Cancer Society . Friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.