Carl West Ayres, 81, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his own home.
West, as he preferred to be called, was born at home in Yardville. He later moved to Allentown, where he lived the rest of his life. West was a graduate of Allentown High School, where he began his love of baseball. He also was a graduate of General Motors Institute in Michigan which prepared him to join his father in the family business of Ayres Pontiac Cadillac Co. He was married to the love of his life, Alice, for 53 years before her passing. The couple had four children and were later blessed with seven grandchildren. West served on the Board of Directors at The Yardville National Bank for many years. He was also an active member of the First Baptist Church of Allentown where he served as a deacon for most of his adult life. West was a loyal, loving husband and father, dedicated businessman and avid NY Yankees fan. Despite his busy weekend schedule he reserved some time to spend on his John Deere tractor.

Son of the late Carl E. and Martha B. Ayres; predeceased by his wife Alice Davenport Ayres and by his sister Alma Jean Ayres; he is survived by his four children, Nancy and Steve Reynolds, David Ayres, Susan Ayres, Diane and Luther Hager, seven grandchildren Jessica, Stephanie, Timothy, Ariel, Johnathan, Samantha, Samuel, his late wife's sister Grace Card, as well as nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will be held at 1 PM on Saturday at the First Baptist Church of Allentown. Calling hour will precede the service beginning at noon. Interment will follow at the Allentown Methodist Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Allentown, 72 Waker Ave., Allentown, NJ 08501. Arrangements under the direction of Peppler Funeral Home, Allentown. (pepplerfh.com)