Duke B. Ayers

June 2, 1963 to October 15, 2026

If you were looking for Duke Ayers, he was probably on a lake with a fishing rod, out in the backcountry hunting, or on I-40 between Flagstaff and Albuquerque.

Duke, 63, of Flagstaff, Arizona, passed away unexpectedly on October 15, 2026. He was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, to Fred and Ronnie, and was also close to his stepmother, Annie.

For years, Duke drove for FedEx Freight, making the run from Flagstaff to Albuquerque every day. Off the clock, he hunted all kinds of game across Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico, and fished Lake Roosevelt and Mead whenever he could. He did all of it with friends and family close by.

Duke and Robin (Collinson) were married for 40 years. They built a life together through the good years and the hard ones, and they kept each other laughing along the way. He was her husband, her best friend, and the one she could always count on. He was also a father to his son, Duke, and a grandfather to Leona.

He is survived by his wife, Robin (Collinson) Ayers; his son, Duke (Kaylee) Ayers; and his granddaughter, Leona. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Ronnie; his stepmother, Annie; and his sister, Tammy Salvato.

He will be missed by everyone who shared a campfire, a boat, or a long drive with him.