Joe K. Ayres, 80, of Bringhurst, died at 6:28 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009, at Clarian Arnett Hospital in Lafayette.

Born July 22, 1929, at Cutler, he was the son of Chester V. and Mary Belle Kenrick Ayres. On June 26, 1955, he married Linda Weiland in Flora, and she preceded him on Jan. 30, 1997.

Mr. Ayres farmed and then worked for Pioneer Hi-Bred Inc., from 1957-1986.

A U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, he served a tour of duty in Korea with the 25th Infantry Division in 1952.

He was a member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Flora, American Legion Post 222, and the Masonic Lodge.

He is survived by a brother, James W. Ayres (wife: Margie) of Lafayette.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. today, Wednesday, at Reinke Funeral Home, Flora. Pastors Al Grumbling and Woody Slade will officiate. Burial will follow at Maple Lawn Cemetery, Flora.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Flora First Christian Church.