OBITUARY: Michael David Ayon
Michael David Ayon, age 69, of Marion, entered into the presence of God at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14, 2014, in the Veteran's Community Living Center of Marion.
He was born on Monday, Jan. 1, 1945, in San Francisco, Calif., the son of Mathias Santiago and Eulilia (Torres) Ayon. Mike's father was from the Philippines and his mother was from Mexico making Mike the first generation born in the United States.
Mike attended school in San Francisco and was a graduate of Balboa High School.
During the Vietnam War, he enlisted into the United States Air Force in 1965 and served as a medic with the Air Force Hospital Squadron. After his period of faithful service he was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant in 1968.
After his discharge he continued his education at San Francisco University where he received his bachelor of arts and master of science degrees.
Early in his life after graduation from college, Mike spent time living in Hawaii and backpacking in Europe.
He began his working career with the Federal Government with the Job Corps working in Oregon. Later he accepted a position with the Job Corps in Golconda where he served as counselor and administrator. Mike made lasting relationships with many while working at the Job Corps and met his wife Becky there. After a long career he finally retired from the Golconda Job Corps.
He was united in marriage to Becky (Dunn) Reeves on Friday, March 25, 1994, in Paducah, Ky., and together they have shared nearly 20 years of marriage.
Mike was a Christian and member of the Southern Illinois Worship Center of Herrin where he enjoyed attending.
In his spare time he loved working out in his yard, golfing, tennis, watching football being a devout San Francisco 49ers football fan and has run several marathons. He also enjoyed the times he traveled back to San Francisco spending time with his many family members there. His local family, his extended family and the many friends were very important to him and always enjoyed the times they gathered together. The many memories that have been created will now be cherished by those he leaves behind.
He is survived by his wife, Becky Ayon of Marion; daughter and son-in-law, Jenny and Bill Stahlberg of McCall, Idaho; son and daughter-in-law, Chris and Amy Ayon of Irving, Texas; two stepsons and stepdaughters-in-law, Gary and Brooke Reeves of Stonefort and Robby and Rindi Reeves of Marion; seven grandchildren, Jerred, Katelyn, Zack, Noah, Josiah, Gracie and Mackenzie; sister and brother-in-law, Terry and Bruno Anton of San Francisco, Calif.; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Matt and Joyce Ayon and Rich and Lettie Ayon, all of San Francisco, Calif.; three brothers-in-law, Bill Banuelos and Kent Hoelscher both of California and Vic Hernandez of Oregon; mother-in-law, Joan Dunn of Carrier Mills; four brothers-in-laws and their families, Robert Field of Arizona, Jerry Field of Harrisburg, Monty Dunn of Stonefort, and Kent Dunn of Carrier Mills; sister-in-law and her family, Pam Morse of Harrisburg, other extended family members and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Laurie Banuelos, Mary Hoelscher and Nita Hernandez.
The family would like to extend a very special thank you to the staff and everyone at the Marion Veteran's Community Living Center for the loving care given to Mike and his family.
Arrangements for Michael David Ayon have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., Marion.
The time of visitation for family and friends will be 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, at the funeral home.
The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014, at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home with Pastor Jeff Owens presiding.
Interment will follow in Salem Cemetery north of Carrier Mills.
Military honors will be accorded at the graveside by members of the VFW Heyde-Pillow Post No. 1301, American Legion Post No. 147 and the Illinois National Guard Flag Detail, all of Marion.
For those who prefer, memorial contributions may be made to "The Veteran's Community Living Center." Memorial contribution envelopes will be available at the funeral home or may be mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, P.O. Box 370, Marion, Ill. 62959.
For additional information, or to leave an online "Condolence of Memory" or light a "Candle in Memory," please visit our website at www.wilsonmcreynolds.com or call 618-993-2131.