Joel B. Ayres, age 72, of Iberia, passed away on Sunday, August 27, 2017, at his home. He was born in Evergreen Park, Illinois, on December 26, 1944, son of the late Walter Ayres Sr. and Helena (Petraitis) Ayres. On August 11, 1967, in Chicago, Illinois, Joel married the love of his life, Dorothy Ann Hoekstra, who survives at their home.

Joel was a faithful member of Riverview Baptist Church in Osage Beach.

In addition to his loving wife, Dorothy, he is also survived by three children, Nancy Sanders and husband Nate of Cuba, Stephen Ayres and wife Regena of Davis, Illinois, and Rebekah Carlson and husband Christian of Iberia; one brother, Robert Ayres and wife Elaine of Homer Glen, Illinois; one sister, Darlene Ayres of Orland Park, Illinois; 20 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Walter Ayres Jr. and eight grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., with service immediately following at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, September 1, at Riverview Baptist Church with Dr. Spencer Plumlee officiating. A private family interment will be held in Hickory Point Cemetery near Iberia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are going to Southeast Asia Bible College. Please make checks payable to Dorothy Ayres.