Carmel "Lee" Ayres

Carmel “Lee” Ayres, born on February 4th, 1932 in Campbell, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home in Keizer, Oregon, on November 8th, 2020. Lee was raised in St. Louis where he grew up with his family before joining the Army to serve in the 25th Division during the Korean Conflict. After his service; 1953, Lee received his college degree from El Camino College in the field of electronics and then finished his high school diploma from Redondo Beach High. Lee married  JoAnne in 1961 and is survived by his wife, 2 sons; Rick and James; and his 3 grandchildren; Michael, Autumn and Dalton; plus 2 great-grandchildren; Joseph James & Alexander.

Lee saw combat in Korea as part of the “Wolfhounds” unit and was decorated for his service, including a three Bronze Service Star cluster and a Purple Heart. Lee worked on a multitude of satellite programs in Aero Space in conjunction with NASA. Lee’s magnus opus; a specialized satellite for the government was obliterated in the cargo bay of the Challenger Space Shuttle incident of 1986. Lee spent 30 years in the Aero Space industry before retiring as the Section Head of Quality Assurance at TRW. After retiring, Lee and JoAnne enjoyed traveling the United States to reconnect with family and friends.

Lee followed the Baptist faith. His interests were participating with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, attending the Eagles Lodge, Fresh/ Ocean fishing, hunting, Scuba diving, traveling, fixing cars and square dancing at clubs. Lee was also passionate about  growing vegetables and fruit, which he often gifted to family, friends, and the Union Gospel Mission.