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On Sunday morning, July 13th, the community was saddened by the death of one of Lorimor's most revered and respected citizens, Dr. Edward C. Ayres. Although the doctor had been failing in health for several years, yet his departure came as a shock to the community, as he had arisen for breakfast, greeted some of his friends and was out in the lawn among his flowers which he loved so much, when the end came, from a heart attack.

In 1928 because of his physical condition, he was forced to give up his practice at which time his brother, Dr. Arthur Ayres came to Lorimor to take over his practice which he had built up over a period of more than 30 years. Since his retirement the greater part of his time has been spent traveling with his wife thru various parts of the United States only recently having returned from California where they spent the winter. He enjoyed the trip greatly and the climate appeared to agree with him and had planned to return in the autumn, but he longed to get back home among his friends and the little house they had so beautifully fitted up for their home, after disposing of their former residence to his brother after retiring from active professional service. He was very fond of nature and the great out-of-doors and for this reason all their trips were made by automobile, his favorite mode of travel. He liked to linger here and there enroute at points of interest and enjoyed life to the fullest extent.

At the onset of the World's War he enlisted in the Medical Corps and was made Captain. After the signing of the Armistice and his discharge he again returned to Lorimor and took up his practice. In community affairs you would always find him lined up for the betterment of the mass of people in general. No worthwhile enterprise was ever promoted without his hearty approval. He did his duty without fear or favor. Much of his time was spent without remuneration in any way, working for the betterment of humanity, whether it benefitted him personally or not, made no difference in his untiring efforts.

He had taken much interest in some of the political issues yet he was not a seeker of public offices. His opinion was greatly in demand on all issues of town, county, and state. He was affiliated with Fern Lodge No. 558 A. F. and A. M., Des Moines Consistory and Modern Woodman of America. He was very active in the American Legion, both local and National and held several positions of high honor in this organization. His heart went out to the poor boys who gave their lives for their country and did everything in his power to aid those who lost their health in the service.

It was estimated that nearly a thousand people attended the funeral service which was held at his home, which evidenced the respect of his home folks and the people of his profession, and as a fitting climax to his life "his boys" of the American Legion laid him peacefully to rest, with military honors.

To know "Doc" as every man, woman and child in the country far and wide knew him, was to love and respect him. With his going Lorimor and vicinity lost one of its pioneers whose place will not soon be filled, or whose memory forgotten.

Dr. Ayres was very active in the organization of the local Legion Post, Fred N. Davis Post, and in fact was looked upon as the "Father" of the local order. A charter was granted to this post on July 17, 1919 (ll years ago today) and Ed. C. Ayres was elected by a unanimous ballot to serve as its first commander. In this position he continued until elected Commander of the 8th Congressional District at which time he tendered his resignation as Commander of Fred N. Davis Post. During his administration he saw the Post grow from infancy to one of the strongest Posts in the state. He was always willing and ready to do any thing within his power that he thought was good for the Post as well as the "Buddie" who served with him.

Dr. Ayres remained an active member of the Legion until the time of his death, and his attendance will be greatly missed by those who knew him as "a brother in Khaki."

During the time he was on the farm he studied medicine under Dr. Lauder at Afton, making his journey to and from that place on horseback. Later he studied medicine at the University of Iowa, graduating at that place in 1894. Since that time he has practiced medicine in Lorimor and vicinity with the exception of one year (1918-1919) spent in the service of the United States Army as Captain of a Medical officers reserve corps, until he was forced to retire from active practice in 1928, due to ill health.

On January 20th, 1901 he was united in marriage to Miss Ada Bowman.
During his practice in this community Dr. Ayres became widely known throughout the state and made a vast number of friends for to know "Doc" was to have a friend.
Dr. Ayres went through all the hardships of the early pioneer doctor, answering calls day and night, winter and summer, sunshine or rain - always willing to go thru the worst blizzard or storm to the calls that came to him.

After his retirement in 1923, Dr. and Mrs. Ayres spent the time in traveling and visiting, mostly in California, until some weeks ago when they returned to their home in Lorimor due to his failing health, caused by serious heart trouble. Since that time he has been confined to his home where he passed away Sunday morning.

He leaves to mourn his death his devoted wife; two sisters, Mrs. C. C. Miles and Mrs. J. D. Hill of Los Angeles, Cali.; five brothers, Ransom of Los Angeles; George and Warren of Des Moines; Sheldon of Indianapolis, Ind.; and Dr. Arthur of Lorimor and friends of all classes, without number.
Funeral services were hild at the home, conducted by Rev. Chas Bryden, and interment made in the Lorimor Cemetery.

Transcribed by Gloria Odom on 22 April 1992. Lorimor is a city in the state of Iowa.