Leonard Beckner Ayres, 86, of Ozark, Mo., formerly of Brookline, Mo., died Saturday, Jan. 12, 2008, at The Baptist Home in Ozark. He was born Nov. 19, 1921 in Salina, Kan., the son of Clarence and Lura Ayres.

Leonard served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

He was united in marriage to Katherine R. Sutton on Aug. 19, 1945, and they enjoyed 57 years of marriage until her passing on Aug. 20, 2002.

Leonard was an active member and deacon at the Battlefield First Baptist Church as long as his health allowed, and he was a former member of the Eureka Springs First Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Katherine; a daughter, Amy Anne Ayres; and his parents.

He is survived by four children and their spouses, Nancy and Bob Schaefer, of Marionville, Mo., Martha and Jim Schurke, Springfield, Mo., Larry and Beth Ayres, Jefferson City, Mo., and Tom Ayres, Springfield; 10 grandchildren, Paul, John, and Susan Schaefer, Todd, Jennifer, Emili Schurke, Nathan, Grant, and Katie Ayres, and Cody Ayres; nine great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, in Meadors Funeral Homes, Republic, Mo., with Rev. Tommy Harper officiating. Burial, with military honors, will follow in Eureka Springs City Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Baptist Home, 1625 W. Garton Rd., Ozark, MO 65721.

Online condolences may be made at www.meadorsfuneral home.com.