Reginald S. Ayers, age 75 of York, Nebraska, passed away Saturday, May 2, 2026 in York. Reg was born on January 28, 1951 in Norfolk, Nebraska, to Wendell and Ella (Mann) Ayers. Reg grew up and attended school in Norfolk and graduated from Norfolk High in 1969.
After graduation, Reg worked for Sunset Discount Drug in Norfolk as an Assistant Manager. He was also a member of the Norfolk Police Department as a Reserve Police Officer. In 1973, Reg attended the Nebraska State Patrol Academy in Lincoln, and was assigned to York as a Trooper. Reg worked traffic enforcement in a 4 county area. While with the State Patrol, Reg was also a Field Training Officer, a Defensive Tactics Instructor, and a Hostage Negotiator. Reg was also awarded a Colonel’s Citation for Meritorious Service for saving the life of an injured motorist who was trapped in a burning car. In November 2004, Reg retired from the State Patrol after 31 years. Reg then went to work for the York General Hospital as an Oxygen Technician, 2004 to 2011, and later as a Youth Security Specialist at the Geneva Girls Reformatory, 2012 to 2017.
On September 4, 1971, Reg married Patricia Regan in Norfolk. To that union, three children were born, Kristine, Kenneth and Kara.
Reg enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, wood working, and his guitars. He loved spending time with his family and friends; especially his 3 grandchildren. Reg also had a faithful companion, Nakita, his “Bud” for 14 years. Reg was an Assistant Boy Scout leader for many years, and was awarded the District Award of Merit. Reg was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
Reg is survived by his wife Trish of York, one daughter Kara and husband Noah McNeese of Aurora, Nebraska, son-in-law Brad Washburn of Divide, Colorado, daughter-in-law Sea of Chiang-Mai, Thailand, grandchildren Adrianna (Lane) Collamore, Cora McNeese, William (Will) McNeese, two great-grandchildren Callie and Charlotte Collamore, and brother Ron Ayers of Mesa, Arizona.
Reg was preceded in death by his grandparents, his mother and father, daughter Kristine, son Kenneth, mother-in-law Mary Ann Regan, father-in-law Kenneth G. Regan, two sisters-in-law Syd Regan and Nancy Ayers.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 am, Friday, May 22, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in York with the Reverend Father John Sullivan officiating. A Rosary will be said at 9:30 a.m., prior to the Mass. Following the Mass, inurnment will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in York. Reg has been cremated so there will be no viewing or visitation. In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials may be directed to the family for the benefit of the York Adopt-A-Pet, or the Nebraska State Patrol Make-A-Wish Foundation.