SUMNER – Everett “Chet” Francis Ayer, 85, following a long illness, passed away peacefully at home in his sleep and as he wished in his own bed Jan. 14, 2023. He was lovingly cared for by his family and surrounded by their love.

He was born March 21, 1937, Monmouth, the son of the late Carroll A. & Eleanor A. (Daggett) Ayer. Chet was preceded in death May 13, 2013, by the love of his life and wife of 54 years, Christine (Tina) M. Darling. They were married Nov. 27, 1959, in Monmouth.

Chet was educated in North Monmouth schools. At the age of 16 he learned the trade of furniture finishing and spent many years in that business and became a highly regarded furniture finisher. Although deaf from a young age he didn’t let that stop him. He was a self-taught auto mechanic, pursued rock mining and dug at a number of Mines, explored caves in the Virginia Mountains. He loved to fish in several of his “secret fishing holes”. He also drove truck for construction for a few local companies.

During the last 20 years he became very interested in the family genealogy along with his beloved wife (until her passing) and was able to establish via his DNA, family connections going back to the Battle of Hastings. His unquenchable faith in God helped him weather if not overcome the difficulties placed in his path.

A devoted family man, Chet loved his children and grandchildren and was as close to them as they were to him. He leaves behind five children; 15 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Subsequent to his passing, among the grandchildren’s heart felt sentiments the following in particular, represented them:

“Today the world will have one less amazing soul in it. A man full of integrity and love. A man I call Papa.”

” Although I will miss you terribly, I want you to know you have been the best Papa anyone could have “.

“My grandfather has always been such a strong rugged man. He has been deaf his whole life but what he lacked there he had in wisdom that he was always willing to share”.

He is survived by his five children, Everett F. (Jr.) of Lewiston, Brenda L. (Ayer) Williams of Auburn, Gary L. , Kevin S., Kelly J. (Ayer) and husband Scott O’Donnell all of Sumner; and siblings Carroll A. (Muriel) Ayer Augusta, Nellie C. (Paul) Davidson of Leeds, Kim E. (Jim) Lindhorst of Fort Wayne, Ind. and Carl A. (Sharon) Hutchinson of Bangor; sister-in-law, Virginia (Fales) Ayer of St. Augustine, Fla.

Chet was predeceased by siblings Gail E. (Ayer) Roberts of Coco Beach, Fla. passed in Branson, Mo. Oct. 10, 2008, Ardeen W. on May 2, 2015, Galion, Ohio, Charles F. Sabattus, Maine on August 12, 2019.

Funeral will be held on Jan. 28, 1 p.m. Lisbon Faith Bible Church 29 Village St. Lisbon, Maine.