Paul Ayers, a Carmel resident who served two terms on the Hamilton County Council, died April 28 after suffering a medical event while canvassing neighborhoods with his daughter, Teresa Ayers, a member of the Carmel City Council.
A Republican, Paul Ayers, 79, represented District 4 on the Hamilton County Council from 2011 to 2018. He was married to his late wife, Cheryl, for 50 years, and they were the parents of eight children.
“For my whole life my father has been my rock, my friend, and my mentor,” Teresa Ayers said. “He served his country with honor and bravery as a Marine, served his family admirably as a father and husband and his community as a county councilman. Now I can only work hard to honor his memory and service by serving my constituents as honorably as he did. While I am devastated by this loss, I find comfort knowing that he is looking down from heaven, and his presence will always be with me.”
Paul Ayers served both of his terms on the Hamilton County Council alongside Brad Beaver, an at-large representative who has been on the council since 1994. He described Paul Ayers as a man of strong conviction who was dedicated to his faith, family and community.
“He was a good fellow, and a good friend of mine. He ran two terms (on council) and decided not to run again. He never did get beat. I was kind of disappointed (he didn’t run again), because we got along so well,” Beaver said. “He was a good fellow, and I’ll miss him.”
In an April 29 email, Hamilton County Republican Party Chair Mario Massillamany described Ayers as a “beloved friend” and “true leader in our community.”
“We will always remember Paul’s contributions to our party and the broader community,” Massillamany stated. “His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the positive changes he brought about.”
Paul Ayers graduated from Purdue University with a degree in physical education. He worked as a real estate developer for 40 years with Marks Companies. He served as a corporal in the U.S. Marines, earning the USMC Rifle Sharpshooter Badge and Pistol Expert Badge.
In addition to serving on the county council, Paul Ayers was a precinct committeeman and active in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, where he served on multiple boards, coached track and taught religious education. He also was a member of Indiana Right to Life and the Carmel American Legion Post 155.
Family and friends will come together from 4 to 8 p.m. May 4 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 14598 Oak Ridge Rd., with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:30 a.m. May 5. Visitation will begin one hour before the burial service.
Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Paul Ayers may contribute to the Mericful HELP Center, 1045 W. 146th St., Carmel, 46032, or Carmelites, 59 Allendale Rd., Terre Haute, IN, 47802.
