Former county councilor remembered as man of conviction

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Paul Ayers, a Carmel resident who served two terms on the Hamilton County Council, died April 28 after suffering a medical event while canvassing neighborhoods with his daughter, Teresa Ayers, a member of the Carmel City Council.

Now I can only work hard to honor his memory and service by serving my constituents as honorably as he did. While I am devastated by this loss, I find comfort knowing that he is looking down from heaven, and his presence will always be with me.”

In Memoriam

A Republican, Paul Ayers, 79, represented District 4 on the Hamilton County Council from 2011 to 2018. He was married to his late wife, Cheryl, for 50 years, and they were the parents of eight children.

“For my whole life, my father has been my rock, my friend, and my mentor,” Teresa Ayers said. “He served his country with honor and bravery as a Marine, served his family admirably as a father and husband and his community as a county councilman.

Paul Ayers served both of his terms on the Hamilton County Council alongside Brad Beaver, an at-large representative who has been on the council since 1994. He described Paul Ayers as a man of strong conviction who was dedicated to his faith, family and community.

“He was a good fellow, and a good friend of mine. He ran two terms (on council) and decided not to run again. He never did get beat. I was kind of disappointed (he didn’t run again), because we got along so well,” Beaver said. “He was a good fellow, and I’ll miss him.”

In an April 29 email, Hamilton County

Obituary

Paul William Ayers, 79, of Carmel, passed away April 28, 2023. He was born January 12, 1944, in Frankfort, son of Roy Lloyd and Mary Teresa (Grace) Ayers.

Paul received his BS in Physical Education from Purdue University. He was a Real Estate Developer employed with Marks Companies for 40 years. Paul was a member of 3rd order of Carmelite; and other memberships included the Indiana Right to Life, Hamilton County Republican party, and the Carmel American Legion, Post #155.

Serving as a Corporal in the US Marine Corps, Paul was awarded the USMC Rifle Sharpshooter Badge and the Pistol Expert Badge while serving his country.

Paul was a devout Catholic and an active member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish for 48 years. During that time, he served on multiple boards for both Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School and Parish. He coached Our Lady of Mt. Carmel track team and taught religious education for many years.

As an avid sports fan, Paul loved watching his children and later his grandchildren play in all athletics. He leaves the legacy of having been known as the most ethical and moral man. He was a loving husband to the late Cheryl Ayers for 50 years, and THE BEST FATHER to their 8 children. Not only was Paul a hero to his family, but he was also a pillar in his community as well. He was very generous with his time and talents. He looked forward to the times he could visit with his 5 siblings.

In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Cheryl L. Ayers; and brother, Lawrence (Larry) Ayers.

Survivors include his sons, Todd (Christi) Ayers, Anthony (Lauren) Ayers, and Christopher (Kristen) Ayers; daughters, Elly (Rene) Couto, Katherine (Martin) Cervenka, Emily Campbell, Sara Ayers, and Teresa Ayers; grandchildren, Liam and Reed Ayers, David, Colin, Adam, Patrick, Luke and Mary Ayers, Sloan and Fulton Ayers, Isabel, Anna and Alex Couto, Norah, Sylvia and Hana Cervenka, Maeve and Eily Campbell and Emily McCalligett; siblings, James (Dorothy) Ayers, Richard (Cyd) Ayers, Teresa Cronkhite and Margaret Lock.

The Mass of Christian Burial was conducted Friday, May 5, 2023 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, where there was a gathering of family and friends May 4, 2023, and visitation one hour prior to the mass. Interment followed the mass at Eagle Creek Cemetery.

In memory of Paul, donations may be directed to the Merciful Help Center, 1045 W 146th Street Carmel, IN 46032 or Carmelites, 59 Allendale Road, Terre Haute, IN 47802.

Bussell Family Funerals was privileged to care for Paul and serve the Ayers family.

“We will always remember Paul’s contributions to our party and the broader community,” Massillamany stated. “His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the positive changes he brought about.”

Paul Ayers graduated from Purdue University with a degree in physical education. He worked as a real estate developer for 40 years with Marks Companies. He served as a corporal in the U.S. Marines, earning the USMC Rifle Sharpshooter Badge and Pistol Expert Badge.

In addition to serving on the county council, Paul Ayers was a precinct committeeman and active in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, where he served on multiple boards, coached track and taught religious education. He also was a member of Indiana Right to Life and the Carmel American Legion Post 155.

Family and friends gathered for a service May 4 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church.

Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Paul Ayers may contribute to the Mericful HELP Center, 1045 W. 146th St., Carmel, 46032, or Carmelites, 59 Allendale Rd., Terre Haute, IN, 47802.