Denzel Cletus (Sr.) Ayres

Denzel Cletus Ayres, Sr. 83, formerly of Jersey County and proud father of 3 children, passed away Saturday morning, July 27, 2024 at Vistas Hospice House in Lacanto, Florida after a brief illness.

Denzel was born in Jerseyville, IL. in 1941 to Vernon and Mildred Ayres.  He attended school in Jersey County, graduating in 1959 from Jersey Community High.  Denzel married the former Bonnie Pratt and together they had 3 children.  in 1996 he moved from Jerseyville to the family farm in Grafton, IL. where he raised his family.

Denzel started his working career at Duncan Foundry in Alton, IL. along with helping at the family farm.  After several years, he had the opportunity to move to Texas and started a job with Acme Brick as a supervisor.  While working, he attended business classes and graduated with a degree in business.  This degree led him to another great opportunity to become plant manager for US Brick in Ashland, KY. where he remained until retirement.  Having always said he wanted to be a "beach bum", he moved to Homosassa, FL. where he fulfilled his dream of sunshine and sand.

Denzel is survived by his children, Sherri (John) Hutchens of Johnsonville, IL., Sheila (Kelly) Ayres-Hubbs of Murray, KY. and Denzel (Jodi) Ayres, Jr. of Edmonton, KY.; six grandchildren, Struther (Andrea) Griffith, Brennan (Natalie) Klunk, Andrew (Abby) Klunk, Jenna (Brandon) Taylor, Erica (Tyler Baiers) Blasa, and Gaje (Jaime) Ayres.; 7 great-grandchildren, Carson Griffith, Jaxon and Blayklee Klunk, Kainen and Sophie Jo Klunk, Ellie Jo Taylor, and Adaleigh Ayres.; and two special grand dogs that visited him often and he dearly enjoyed, Gotti and Chopper.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Linda Ayres, and a grandson, Jeffrey Scott Ayres.

A celebration of life will take place at 11 a.m., Saturday, August 24, 2024 at the First Baptist Church of Jerseyville, with lunch following.

Memorials may be given to the family, in care of Crawford Funeral Home to help assist placing a monument at Noble Cemetery.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Denzel Cletus (Sr.) Ayres, please visit our floral store.