Obituary of Charles Aikin

Charles M. Aikin, age 85, died peacefully on October 11, 2012 at Regency Nursing Center in Clarksville. He was born July 31, 1927, in Paris, Texas as son of Lilbon J. and Sallie M. Aikin. Preceding him in death is his sister (Jean) Homer Gene (Aikin) Cooper, (Cooper), brother-in-law Tommy S. Varner and niece Marla R. Lee. Surviving relatives include his sister Martha R. Varner (Aikin) from Phoenix, AZ; his nephews Larry (wife Nancy and son Alex), Stephen (son Bryan) and Mark (wife Lisa and children Trinity, Tommy and Tiah) Varner from Phoenix, AZ, John Cooper ( wife Burnie) from Huston, TX; his niece Gayla De Martini ( husband Ken) from Gray, TX; and numerous other nephews and nieces in Tuscon, AZ; Houston, TX; and Loveland, CO. Charles was born in Paris, TX and attended school through seventh grade. The family moved to Montebello, CA on Oct 31, 1941 and was there just in time to experience one of California’s earthquakes. He worked through the summer and weekends repairing refrigeration units for O’Keefe and Merritt making approximately $6.00 per day. He also worked for Standard Oil doing odd jobs. The family moved back to TX on July 14, 1945 and Charles graduated from high school there. In July 1946, he joined the army and became a medical technician while serving in Pasadena CA and Tyler, TX. He served as a clerk in the counseling branch of the separation unit while in Tyler. He was honorably discharged from the army on May 15, 1947. Charles then returned to Avery, TX and helped his father to build a home and a woodworking shop, which later became known as Aikin Cabinet Works. Together, Charles and his father built cabinets and furniture out of cedar, walnut and mahogany. Their work also included making screen doors and refinishing antiques. Charles thoroughly enjoyed his work. He also very much enjoyed his summer vacation time with his nieces and nephews, once even taking them on a six-mile hike before breakfast. Charles was a beloved son, brother and uncle and will be missed greatly. Funeral services are set for 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in Lindeman Chapel of Clarksville Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Avery Cemetery under the direction of Clarksville Funeral Home. The family will receive friends an hour before service time at Clarksville Funeral Home.