John E. 'Jack' Ayers

John E. (Jack) Ayers, 80, Walton passed peacefully to his heavenly home Wednesday, October 18 at 1:18 a.m. at St. Vincent Hospice, Indianapolis.

Born July 17, 1937 in Logansport, Jack was the son of Leon “Bud” and Thelma Huffman Ayers.  On June 14, 1959 he married Rovena Gayle Lucas, who survives.

Jack graduated from Logansport High School.  He received a BA in Education from Indiana State University, and an MA in Education from Ball State University.

Jack began his teaching career at Tipton Township in 1959, later moving to Lewis Cass when the schools were incorporated.  He taught History, Current Events and many other courses, including Driver Education.  He helped start the Presidential Classroom, and was awarded a Presidential Classroom Honors certificate for his years of service.  Jack’s roles outside the classroom at Lewis Cass included serving as the initial baseball coach, coach of different levels of boys’ basketball, assistant coach of girls’ basketball, and head softball coach.  He received a Lewis Cass Alumni Award and was selected for the Cass Athletic Coaches Hall of Fame.  Mr. Ayers retired in 2002 after 43 years of dedicated service.

He was a member of the Walton United Methodist Church, where he had served as Lay Leader and President of the Board of Trustees.

Jack was very active in his community, as a past president of Tipwa Little League, a member of the Walton Lions Club, a member and past president of the Walton Town Board, and a member of the Walton-Tipton Township Library Board.

Jack was an avid Bears and IU fan, and a lifelong Cubs fanatic—finally celebrating a championship in 2016!  He enjoyed the “Dog Shed Coffee Club” and the 3:30 Walton Legion group, and loved visiting with family and friends.

Jack was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  He is survived by his wife, Rovena; sons Michael S. (Terri) of Logansport, Brian P. (Lisa) of Walton, and Kelly K. (Kelly) of Logansport; daughter Janalee S. (Bill) Kovacs of Whiteland; 11 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, several foster grandchildren; several cousins, including Patricia Logan, who was like a sister to him; and his dear friend of 75 years, Daryl “Pete” Petrig.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law Penny Lucas, and cherished friends and colleagues Ted Beckley and Howard Ogle.

Services for Jack Ayers will be held at Kroeger Funeral Home in Logansport.  Friends and family may gather to celebrate Jack’s life on Tuesday, October 24 from 3 until 8 p.m.  A funeral service will be held Wednesday, October 25 at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Carolyn DeWitt officiating.  Burial will be at Walton I.O.O.F. Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lewis Cass Scholarship Fund, in care of the Cass County Community Foundation.