John Wiley Aiken Jr , November 08, 1918 — January 24, 2019

John Wiley Aiken Jr. was born November 8, 1918 in Paris, Texas to Cora belle and John Aiken. John grew up working with his uncle Sira from the summer’s till he graduated from Paris High School. He attended some college but found working full time and school at night was just too hard.

While working full time in his uncle’s pluming business, John learned his lifetime trade. He met and married his lifelong love Evelyn. They raised his 3 brothers, Bill, Sira, and Gene till grown, along with their 2 boys; Ronald and James.

They lived in Houston, till he discovered Colorado. Paonia was a favorite location. When Evelyn died in 1995, John pushed on.

He learned to cook and bake a mean pecan pie. That marriage lasted 55 years. He re-connected with Bobi 2 years later.

After serving her pie, he was stuck with her for nearly 22 years. Traveling to Alaska in a small over cab camper he drove the 10,000 miles up and back 3 times laughing all the way! When his back gave out he became a small time rancher.

He loved being outdoors , while growing hay for his cattle, sheep, and horses, always with his faithful dog “Tank” hunting with Bill,and James in the mountains. This 100th birthday was a goal he was determined to keep. For Thanksgiving and Christmas, John said it was one of his best!

He learned to use a walker until a stroke in January left him still alert, but in pain. On Wednesday January 23rd, he went to his patiently waiting wife Evelyn. John leaves special nieces ” Little Bit” and Candi, his nephew Robert who was very special, his 2 grandson’s Tony and Tommy Aiken, his great grandson’s Cameron and Zack, granddaughter Missy Jacobs, Stacy, and Tara.

Multiple great grandchildren, and stepchildren. John was a simple living man, true to his family and friends. I hope we can live up to his expectations.

John died at his home with Bobi and Bernadette, the wonderful hospice nurse. Many thanks to all who helped so much. Services for John will be held on Thursday January 31, 2019 with a viewing at 10:00 am, with a service to follow at 11:00 am at Farmington Funeral Home, 2111 W. Apache St. Farmington, NM 87401.

Burial will follow at the Bayfield Cemetery, in Bayfield, Colorado. Forever 29…. .

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