I love my dad, and I know he loved me and my wife and our children. At the end of phone calls he would often say, "tell Dawn and .." (naming our seven children) "that I love them, and Jesus loves them too." I have always wanted more in relationship
with Dad, but I have no regrets about the relationship that we had.
In the last nine years he had been a passionate Christian. He would often say that God had given him compassion for people. Compassion was not on his agenda before meeting Christ. He would always be looking for opportunities to share Christ with others, and he wanted all the grace that God had to give.
Over the years I have noticed how much my hands looked like my dad's. When I was little his hands were big and strong, he was a man like I wanted to be. Now my hands are the big hands. I want my sons to notice them and desire to be a man like me. With God's help I will be the kind of example of a man that they need to see.
I thank God for my dad. He has been a source of inspiration, wisdom, and strength in our family. He was not perfect (who is?). He was real. As I met people in his church, the dad I knew got bigger. He was a blessing to many. He prayed for people, shared Christ with people, and challenged people in their Christian walk.
Life on this earth will not be the same for us without him, but when it's all been said and done we will rejoice together in heaven over the wonderful things God has done in our lives.
Coleman L Ayersdied 2008-01-19
Coleman Ayers, Man of God, husband, father, brother and grandfather passed away Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008. He was born May 3, 1940, in Idabel, Ok. to John Lee and Nettie May Ford Ayers. Coleman married Judy Jay in Lynwood, Calif., on Feb. 24, 1962; she remained by his side for 45 years.
Coleman served his country in the U.S. Army, infantry, and later retired from Lever Bros. The last nine years of his life were completely dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ. The greatest desire of his life was to tell others about his new life. He constantly read God’s Word – The Bible. He was often blessing people by his words. He enjoyed worshiping God and listening to music that honored his Lord. He had been a member of The Gideon’s International and was on the National Prayer Center staff.
He is survived by wife, Judy; son, Bryan (Dawn) of Prince Edward Island, Canada; daughter, Barbara (Jonathan) of Olathe, Kan.; brothers, Robert (Diane) of New Port Richey, Fla.; Bobbie (Georgina) of Hesperia, Calif.; Tommie (Sharon) of Hesperia, Calif.; and 11 grandchildren.
Funeral services will take place Thursday, Jan. 24, at 2 p.m. at the World Vision Assembly of God (444 W. 400 N., Vernal). Friends and family may call Wednesday, Jan. 23, from 6 to 8 pm at the Thompson-Blackburn Vernal Mortuary and one hour prior to services. Burial will take place in Ft. Leavenworth, Kan.
5 comments:
I lost my father when I was 19 and my mom 2 years ago and I live clear across the US from my family. I never really had a close relationship with my dad (what teenager does?), but I knew that he loved me and vice versa, now that I am in my mid thirties with a son of my own I like you strive to have a great relationship with my son and show him what it is to be a man. I pray that when I am gone my son has half the things to say about me that you have said about your dad.
Gene
Hey there, I found your blog through the Dads carnival. Even though your father is gone from this earth I am glad that he is with God now, and you are sure of his eternal life. Keep on writing!
Bryan & Family, What a joy it was to know your dad! We miss him so much, but rejoice that he is with the Lord he loved and spoke of so often. He brought me so much hope as I am still praying for my husband to know the Lord as your dad did. You are in my thoughts & prayers, Kathy Matheson Vernal, UT
Bryan, your video is beautiful. I'll admit, it did reopen that hole in my heart that I keep thinking is healed. . .I'm sure that will happen during many of our lifetime milestones and the tears will only soothe our souls.
Thank you so much for posting this, I'm adding it to my facebook as well, with your permission. You've really captured Dad's personality and the love he had for us. May we continue his legacy by loving our kids, and someday, our grandkids as he loved us.
I love you. . Barb
Thank you for the Video and Tribute, Bryan. I enjoyed the opportunity to look back over Coleman's life. I thank God that I had the opportunity to grow up as an adopted part of the Ayers family. I remember camping trips and Coleman's great personality. I thank God for the blessing of standing with you as your best Man, just 2 decades ago. Most of all I thank God for the role Bryan and Judy Ayers played in my coming to know Christ. Because of Judy's acts of service, I came to know Christ at an early age and my life has forever been changed. Thank you for your faithfulness. Keep up the great work. Bill Prosser, Phoenix, Arizona
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