Obit: Ayers, Synclare E. (1927 - 1955)

Contact: Stan

Email: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Ayers Radtke

----Source: THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 11/10/1955

Ayers, Synclare E. (7 FEB 1927 - 30 JUN 1955)

Discovery of a gray gabardine clad skeleton along a creek at Altoona Saturday solved a four month old mystery surrounding the disappearance of Synclare E. Ayers., route 4, Neillsville (Clark Co., Wis.).

Ayers, a school bus driver and state college student at Eau Claire, has been reported missing by his parents since June 30, 1955.  Dr. Karl Walter, Eau Claire County Coroner, said Saturday afternoon that Ayers died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Investigating authorities learned that Ayers has been undergoing medical treatment and had procured a revolver shortly before disappearing.  A small, badly rusted, pearl handled revolver and a catechism were found at the base of a tree near the remains.

Thomas Stelter, 14-year-old Eau Claire boy, discovered the remains along Otter Creek, within the Altoona city limits.  He ran to his home and called Eau Claire police.  The Altoona police chief also assisted at the remains.

Ayer’s disappearance was given wide publicity in the newspapers, on radio and television, and on police radio networks.  Authorities and bloodhounds searched over wide areas in the vicinity of the Eau Claire college campus without finding any trace of the man’s billfold, reportedly found near the remains, helped establish identification.

Ayers is survived by his parents, three sisters, Mrs. Marvin Radtke, route 4, Neillsville, Patricia and Nancy at home, and brother, Harry Jr., also at home.