Melvern Albert Dr. Ayers, Sr.

Dr. Melvern A. Ayers, Sr. age 83, of Perrysburg, Ohio, passed away Sunday, July 27, 2014, with family and friends at his side. He was born on November 1, 1930 to Bert and Hazel (Rudolph) Ayers in Millbury, Ohio. After graduating from Lake High School in 1948, he attended Bowling Green State University and The Ohio State University College of Medicine, graduating in 1957. After his internship and residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, he returned to his Toledo area roots in 1968 as the first Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the newly formed Medical College of Ohio at Toledo. In the mid 1970’s, he started a private practice affiliated with Toledo Hospital where he stayed until his move back to Detroit in the mid 1980’s. There he worked with organizations including Metro Medical Group/Health Alliance Plan and the Detroit Medical Center. He later joined the Wayne State University College of Medicine from which he retired in 2003. Mel will be remembered for many things, particularly his compassion for others and generosity with his time and medical expertise. From providing pro bono health care for less fortunate women to volunteering as team physician for Anthony Wayne and St John’s Jesuit High School athletics, he was always a man for others. On June 19, 1954, Mel married his college sweetheart Barbara and together they raised five children. In addition to their children, the family raised quarter horses and thoroughbreds on their Whitehouse, Ohio farm along with a variety of animals. Mel cherished the time he spent with his friends and family, especially being “Papa” to his children and grandchildren. He was also an avid golfer and enjoyed many adventures traveling with Barbara over the years. Mel is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Barbara Jean (Heller) Ayers and daughters Melanie (Paul) Calevro, Melissa Weis, Melinda (Phil Crusan) Ayers, sons, Melvern (Barbara) Ayers, Jr. and James (Elise) Ayers II and grandchildren Paul Calevro, Jr., James Allen (Loren) Calevro II, Roslyn (Zac) McKenna, Kirsten (Jordan) Floyd, Meredith (Chris) Robbins and David Weis, brother James (Shirley) Ayers and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandson, Mark Weis. Friends may be received at the Witzler Shank Funeral Home, 222 E. South Boundary St, Perrysburg (419-874-3133) on Thursday, July 31, 2014 from 3:00-7:00pm and Friday, August 1, from 3:00-7:00pm. Visitation will continue Saturday, August 2, at Zoar Lutheran Church, 314 E. Indiana Ave., Perrysburg from 10:00am-12:00pm with funeral services to begin at noon with Pastor Timothy Philabaum presiding. Burial will follow at Lake Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Mel’s name may be made to Zoar Lutheran Church or St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Millbury, OH. Online condolences may be left at www.witzlershank.com.