John M. Aikens

John M. Aikens, age 67, a lifelong resident of Chardon, died April 29, 2011, at UHHS Geauga Regional Hospital.He was born May 25, 1943, in ChardonMr. Aikens was a defense contractor for the Department of Defense.He was a Vietnam veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a member of St. John Baptist Church in Painesville and was in the choir, taught Sunday School, and was a trustee for many years. He was a small plane pilot and enjoyed traveling mostly in South America. Mr. Aikens was a Spanish education major at Ohio State University and had an accounting degree from Cleveland State University. He was an avid fisherman. His organs were donated to LifeBanc.Survivors are his siblings: Henrietta (Arthur) Wilson of Chardon, Catherine (Arthur) Haywood of Dayton, James R. (Doris) Aikens of Chardon, Martha (Earl) Hayes of Dayton, Flora May Law of Cleveland, Richard (Christine) Aikens of Huntsburg; and many nieces, nephews, and loving friends.He was preceded in death by his parents, James A. and Alfair Aikens; and brother, Theodore Aikens.Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, May 6, 2011, at St. John Baptist Church, 361 W. Jackson St., Painesville 44077. Pastor Jeffrey Jemison will officiate at services.Visitation will be Friday at the church from 10 to 11 a.m. Burial will be at Hambden Township Cemetery.Contributions may be made to St. John Baptist Church Youth Ministry, 361 W. Jackson St., Painesville, OH 44077.Arrangements are by The Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Chardon. Information and online condolences at www.burrservice.com.