Here is the link to review the recorded graveside service for Dave Aiken:
https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2FGyoKYjsE8Yc%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3pUrCEyTALxPFS_JebK5vmMnU8XYnz_7HCnR5I3D6seowXK3fzy8ZLqPo&h=AT2ELqJOTeY0T1Yxg72pK0zdMeNi3v07O3N-8DPeVMmH3pHNwNVo23_0rgOlp2Lt5mvw_zepQxzcj3uN7dnoZrRLjc6F7v7setOPYLiQ3c3NCULRQWn7rewQ_-UvFIbYBw
Private family graveside services with military honors for David W. ‘Dave’ Aiken, 83, will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 27, 2020, at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. The graveside services will be live-streamed. All are welcome to participate virtually. Please contact a family member or the funeral home for additional information. https://youtu.be/FkP0fXh5cD4
A celebration of life memorial service will be held later.
Dave was born on June 10, 1936, at home in rural Louisburg, KS to Cyrus S. and Leura A. Whitaker Aiken. He died on April 18, 2020, at home in rural Lawrence, KS. Between those dates he led a full and active life.
Dave attended grade school in Louisburg, KS. While growing up he was a member of the Cot Mor 4-H Club in Miami County, KS. He was active in the agriculture projects winning a state award for corn production. Dave graduated from Louisburg Rural High School in 1954 and attended Emporia State Teachers College for a semester before joining the United States Army in January 1955. He served two years of active duty at Ft. Bliss and Ft. Sam Houston in Texas and Ft. Benning in Georgia.
Upon returning home, Dave married Gladys Lee in August 1957. She proceeded him in death in 1977. He attended the University of Kansas while working at Bendix in Kansas City, MO. He also worked in the maintenance department at Erman Steel in Turner, KS and in 1967, began a 28-year work career for Hercules, Inc. at Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant near DeSoto, KS. He retired in 1995 as a maintenance supervisor.
While working at Sunflower, Dave completed 27 years in the U.S. Army Reserves, primarily in the 317th S & S Battalion. He retired in 1996 as a Master Sergeant from a school unit in Topeka, KS, where he taught military classes for the National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve Units throughout Eastern Kansas. Dave was extremely proud of his service to his country and never hesitated to ask for a ‘military discount’ and then proceed to tell the clerk how long he had served. He also owned Aiken Pest Control doing both indoor pest control and lawn service for 100+ homes in Lawrence, Eudora, and DeSoto.
Dave married Paula Johnston on May 9, 1992. They made their home on rural property south of Lawrence which they often shared with family and friends. Halloween parties and hayrack rides in the fall, as well as family gatherings, were events looked forward to each year.
Dave loved bowling and motorcycles. He bowled in numerous leagues for over 45 years and was still actively bowling in a senior league at the time of his death. Motorcycles were his first love. Over the years, he owned many different bikes, but was most fond of his Honda Gold Wings. He was a life-member of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association traveling to over twenty national rallies throughout the United States. His motorcycle and later his trike were his preferred means of transportation and he was always up for a ride. He traveled throughout the United States and Canada with friends and his Gold Wing family.
Besides Dave’s wife, Paula, other survivors include his three sons, Ron, Larry (Susan), and Gale. He is also survived by five grandchildren, David (Rae), Bry (Peter Freeman), Kelly, Jacob, and Jackson, three brothers, Earl (Jennie), Harold ‘Tommie’, and Cyrus (Dee) and numerous nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his parents, first wife, Gladys, two sisters, Elma Link and Ruth Phillips, and a sister-in-law, Betty Aiken.
A viewing will be held on Sunday, April 26, 2020, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
The family suggests memorials in his name to the USD 416 Endowment Fund, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Paula, Ronnie, Larry and Gale – So sorry to hear of the passing of Uncle Dave. We always made a point to look for him at his house when we drive by. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. Dave was our exterminator, recommended by one of our neighbors. When, a few years later, I bought a Gold Wing, he was the one I asked for tips and advice and Dave got me started in the GWRRA. RIP Dave.
We are so sorry for your sudden loss. My heart goes out to you and the family. Dave and you were always so welcoming to everyone in the GWRRA events. He will be greatly missed♥️. May God Bless you in these hard times ❣️
Gale, I am so sorry to hear about your father.Sending my sympathy.
So sorry for your lost. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our thoughts and prayers go to Dave’s family. What a wonderful gentle man. We enjoyed all the great rides and activities with Dave. So many wonderful memories.
Paula, my prayers are with your family.
So sorry to hear about Dave. As a friend of his sons, I send my prayers and thoughts. I know you will share tons of memories about your Dad. Paula, thanks for supporting Dave’s love of motorcycles, as my own Dad certainly enjoyed riding with him for so many years….lots of fun traveling stories!
We were shocked to hear of Dave’s passing. Our paths crossed over the years as neighbors in town, again in the county and working at the Sunflower AAP. He was a great guy that I always enjoyed conversing with. He will be greatly missed.
Paula there are not words that can say how very sorry I am of your lose of Dave, he was a good friend, someone always enjoyed visiting and riding motorcycles with, he will be greatly missed by all, especially you. God Bless
So very sorry for your loss. Prayers to your family.
Paula, Ronnie, Larry , Gale and family
No words can express our sympathy or help ease your pain during this trying time. Dave was a great Uncle to all your cousins and I know a great father, husband and Grandpa. I remember many Thanksgivings at Uncle Dave’s and will always have fond memories of those family get togethers. Our condolences to you all.
Ronnie, Larry ,Susan, Gale & kids,
We are so sorry, we know how hard this is. Sending lots of hugs, thoughts and prayers. Love you!
Paula,
So very sorry for your loss. Dave was a very special man. He will be missed. Always had a smile on his face.
Paula and Ron, I am so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. What a wonderful man. I enjoyed every interaction I had with him. I am sorry for your loss and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ron, David and Bry. We are sorry for your loss and will keep you in our thoughts.
Paula, our prayers are with you and your family.
Paula, we are saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Oh wow, did not see this coming. Paula, so sorry to hear this. I always enjoyed visiting with David. You my friend are in our thoughts and prayers.
Oh, Paula, I am so sorry for you loss. Hugs and sincere sympathy to you. Hope to see you at church when we can all meet again. God Bless. Linda Carr Pickerel & family
Paula and family, We are keeping you in our prayers. We will miss our “balcony friend”.
Paula we are so saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. Dave was an amazing man, Russ says the best boss he ever had, and will be missed by so many. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
We are very sorry to hear about your husband. We send our love and prayers to you.
Paula, we are so sorry to hear of David’s passing . If there’s anything that we can do please call.
Have a beer so sorry to hear that David passed away please let us know if there’s anything that we could do would be happy to help
Paula,
We are so sorry for your loss! You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Paula-Dan and I were saddened to hear about Dave’s passing. We have so many good memories of Dave especially on rides and at your annual Halloween get- togethers. Anytime we eat something with fins or feathers, we think of Dave with great fondness. We are thinking of you.
Paula~May all of the sweet memories of Dave bring you comfort during this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Sorry for your loss Paula. What a shock! You two are the reason we joined GWRRA (even though you never see us).
Paula, sorry to hear about Dave’s passing. You will be in my prayers as you move forward from your loss.
So very sorry to hear of Dave’s passing from his cousin Frank. We grew up as neighbors on farms east of Louisburg, Kansas. Attended one room grade school and Louisburg Rural High School together and always enjoyed renewing our friendship at the annual high school reunions. Our thoughts and prayers are with Paula, his sons and extended families.
Dear Paula and Family, we are saddened to hear about Dave’s passing. Our hearts and prayers go out to you.
Dave Aiken was a real American, believed in free enterprise and investing in the future of the U.S.A. Dave, thank you for serving your country in the U.S. Army. We are sure, Dave was very happy seeing his great country from his Yellow Honda Trike. You could always count on Dave to do his part and more. We will sure miss Dave (alot). Our condolence to “Teach” Paula (His Lovely Wife) and Family.
Rest in PEACE to our Buddy ~ May God share your “Spirit” with all. Bogey & Mary Rose
So sorry to learn of the loss of Dave Aiken. My prayers are with you. Like Dave Affalter, I first met him in 1977 as chaplain in the 317th S&S BN. Thanks, Dave Affalter, for letting me know. Truly a great loss.
Paula and family, I am so sad to hear of Dave’s passing. He was truly an amazing guy whom many of his friends admired. Keeping you in my prayers
Paula, We were saddened and shocked to hear of Dave’s passing. He is in glory, but will be deeply missed by everyone who was blessed to know him.
Paula, we are both shocked and saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. He will sincerely be missed. Always in our thoughts and prayers, 🙏🏻
I worked with Dave at the Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant where, among other things, he managed all of the pest control on the plant. He was such a dependable and valued member of the staff. He was always in a good mood and got along with everyone. Dave was the organizer of the retiree breakfasts in Lawrence and Shawnee and was almost never absent. We loved seeing him arrive on his motorcycle and later his “trike”. He spoke of motorcycle rides to go out to eat and the ultimate trips to Sturgis. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Dave arrive at the pearly gates on his motorcycle, but only after a detour through Sturgis. He will be missed.
SO SORRY to hear about DAVE… I remember when I first met & got to know him the summer of 1977, shortly after I had joined the ARMY RESERVE here in LAWRENCE…
WE ( The 317th S&S BN. ) had just arrived @ our annual training destination, & since Both of our First names started w/ D, & Last names started w/ A, GUESS WHO worked CQ the very first night?
Sitting there in the office together all night gave us the opportunity to meet & know more about each other… AND,
that we just happened to live in the same neighborhood,
AND almost directly behind each other. AND later on when my wife & I bought our first home & found Termites, he became out first & only pest exterminator… WE always laughed @ his business slogan : “GOT BUGS? HOLY S…”
MANY MORE ARMY related memories even up to the early 90’s… I know he will missed by many, R I P Old friend…
I was truly sorry to read of Dave’s death. My deepest sympathies go out to you at this sad time.
Paula,
It was heartbreaking to hear the news of your husband’s passing. You are in our thoughts at this most difficult time.
Paula I’m so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing.
Paula, it was so sad to hear the news of David’s passing. He will be sincerely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
So sorry to hear this news. I served with Dave for many years in the Army Reserve. Dave was a great Christian man. Dave was a person all could emulate. I’m sure he will be missed by all who knew him. I will keep the family in prayer. weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning .” Psalms 30:5 …
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Paula! The kids have been fondly remembering how Dave pulled them a around every year for a hay rack ride at the 4-H fall party. Anytime you need a hug, you’ve got one, even virtually right now. We love you!
Carla and I were shocked and saddened when we learned of Dave’s passing. Out thoughts and prayers are with you.
Paula, Joe and I are heartsick for you and the loss of Dave. We were both blessed to work with Dave and had him treat our yard for many years. Everyone loved Dave! He truly was a kind person and your loss is a loss for everyone who knew him.
So very saddened by Dave’s passing. He was a friend to all who knew him. Paula, our hearts go out to you.