B. Franklin Ayres

Middletown...B. Franklin Ayres, 81 of rural Middletown, passed away, April 5, 2003 at the family home in which he was born and lived his entire life. He was the son of Royal and Lilly (Biery) Ayres.He graduated from Sulphur Springs High School in 1939 and farmed in the area for over 50 years. He enjoyed reading, playing cards, watching sports on T.V., observing nature from his front porch swing, and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He served two terms on the Jefferson Township Advisory Board.Survivors include his wife of 59 years: Helen of Middletown and his sister: Dorothy Murray of Springport, 3 children: Michael L. Ayres (Arlene) of New Castle, Donna E. Hutton (Bill) of Pendleton, and Brian S. Ayres (Kathy) of Anderson. Also surviving are grandchildren: Eric Ayres (Rose) of Muscatine, Iowa, Jeremy Ayres (Gabrielle) of Cary, North Carolina, Heather Tannas (Doug) of Rochester, Minnesota, Deirdre Hutton of Fishers, Aaron Ayres of Daleville, Andrew Ayres of Anderson, Megan Harmon of Anderson and Alan Ayres of Daleville. Also three great grandchildren: Kayleigh, Ashley and Nicholas Ayres of Cary, North Carolina, as well as several nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers: Rufus, Alfred, Charles and Oscar Ayres.Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 AM at Ballard and Sons Funeral Home, 118 South 5th, Middletown. Burial will follow in Miller Cemetery.Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 4-8 PM.Memorial contributions may be made to the Middletown EMS, Box 1, Middletown, Indiana 47356 or the American Cancer Society through the funeral home.Online guestbook is available at: www.ballardandsons.com