Shawnee resident Delbert Lee Ayers died Friday, July 9, 2010, in a local hospital at the age of 78.

He was born November 27, 1931, in Shawnee to William E. and Estoria Myers Ayers.

He graduated from Bethel High School and served in the U.S. Army.

On December 2, 1970 he married Stella Marie Day.

He was a truck driver for Yellow Freight and various other companies.

He was a member of Hopewell Baptist Church, he was a 32nd degree Mason, and member of the retired Teamsters Union.

He enjoyed playing guitar, bluegrass music and fishing.

Preceding him in death were his parents; one brother, Mike Ayers; one sister, Vivian Farris; and one stepson, Richard Bryce.

Survivors include his wife Stella Ayers of the home; two children, Sherrill Martinez and husband Larry of Shawnee' and Johnny Ayers of Tulsa; two stepchildren, Jim Bryce and wife Toni of Bethel Acres' and Patsy Elmore and husband Dwayne of Bethel Acres; six grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; one brother,Warren Ayers and wife Loretta of Clovis, New Mexico; one sister, Mildred McVay of Odessa, Texas; and numerous nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Service will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 13, at Walker Funeral Service Chapel with Larry Sparks officiating.

Burial will be in Blackburn Chapel Cemetery under the direction of Walker Funeral Service in Shawnee.