Orville Welch (O.W.) Ayers, age 92, of Wichita Falls, entered his heavenly home on October 11, 2023. O.W. was born December 26, 1930, the only child of Louis and Golda (McClung) Ayers. He attended Austin Elementary, Reagan Junior High and graduated from Wichita Falls High School in 1951. On July 15th, 1951, he married his high school sweetheart, Edith Lou Woodward at First Baptist Church, where they were long time members. Orville and Edith were the first supporters of CFNT in the late 1980's and continued to faithfully support the Christian Network until their retirement.

O.W. worked at United Electric, Wichita Electric Supply, Electrical Associates and Cummins Supply. He opened the Lantern House with two friends on September 1st, 1971. His skills, work ethic and character, grew the business. After becoming the sole owner, the store moved to a larger location at 3514 McNiel in 1979. He then moved to a larger building he had built in November 1985. The Lantern House was in operation for 50 years until he and Edith retired in October of 2021. He was an associate member of the Home Builders Association for over 40 years and was involved with the Parade of Homes. He also supported Habitat for Humanity with numerous donations.

O.W. started coaching football with the Boys Club in 1954. In 1957, he presented the idea to Graham Ball of teaming up with the Marines' Toys for Tots campaign and renaming the Boys Club championship game, The Toy Bowl. His team won the inaugural Toy Bowl game. He was the first man to coach in six consecutive decades ending in 2001. O.W. was the first of only two men in Wichita Falls to be presented with the National Golden Boy Award by the Boys Clubs of America in 1974. He served on the first Football Advisory Committee for the Boys Club in 1959. He also served on, and was President of the Boys Club Operational Board of Directors. O.W. also coached basketball and baseball for the YMCA for many years. He spent 47 years helping and coaching the youth of our community. It would be difficult to count the number of lives touched by O.W.

O.W. is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Edith. Three sons: Ronnie and wife Marsha of Lawton, OK; Tommy and wife Janet, Mike and wife Kathy, both of Wichita Falls. He was blessed with seven grandchildren; Emilee Boyd (Gabe) of Prosper, TX, Chad Ayers (Mary), Carter Ayers (Gena), Kendal Ayers (Linda), Marissa Ayers (Brien Hafner), Kellen Ayers, and Michaela Fielding (Thomas), all of Wichita Falls. Also, 17 great grandchildren who had witnessed how living a truly Christian life should be from his example.

The funeral service will be held at Lunn's Colonial Funeral Home on Thursday, October 19th, 2023, at 11 a.m. with the burial to immediately follow at Crestview Memorial Park. Visitation will be on Wednesday, October 18th, 2023, from 6-7 p.m. at Lunn's Colonial. In Orville's memory and in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Wichita Falls, Presbyterian Manor-Good Samaritan Fund, or Hospice of Wichita Falls.