ASHTON — The family of Bill Mayes learned Wednesday afternoon that Mayes’ body was positively identified by the West Virginia State Medical Examiner.

Found Friday near his home, the 75-year old had been missing for 10 days since April 12. Now the family will lay their loved one to rest.

Although an exact cause of death has yet to be released, the family released the following statement:

“Our hearts are filled with sadness over the loss of Bill, a faithful husband, respected Dad, loving Papa, and a humble servant of Jesus Christ. We want to thank the family, friends, and community for their overwhelming support during our ten day search for him. Many went well beyond what we could ever expect, from exhaustive searches, to providing food and drinks, to being there for support. We can never thank you enough. We also thank the media for keeping Bill’s picture and this story in the news while the search continued and for their respect of the family. Although Bill will be missed tremendously, we are comforted by God’s Word and the promise we will see him again.”

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, April 29, at Ball’s Chapel Church in Ashton. Rev. Bob Ray, Rev. Ted Nance, Rev. Darren Ellis, and Rev. Mark Mayes will officiate the service. The family will receive visitors from 5-8 p.m., Thursday, April 28, at Deal Funeral Home in Point Pleasant.

Mayes leaves behind his wife of 53 years, Carol; and their three sons, Wayne, Kevin and Mark (Donna) Mayes, as well as grandchildren, great grandchildren, sisters, brothers, and nieces and nephews.

The West Virginia State Police assisted the Mason County Sheriff’s Department on the investigation.

According to Sgt. S.L. Greene of the Sheriff’s office, “The body was positively identified Wednesday, and everything else is still under investigation at this time.”