Donald Ray Aken Sr was born on May 11, 1940 in Omaha, Nebraska and gained his wings on December 6, 2019 at the age of 79.  Don lived at the Heritage Care Center in Fairbury, Nebraska.

He was born to the parents of Orville E. Aken and Faye Theo Aken.  He had a tremendous mother who taught him strength, compassion, empathy, and unconditional love. He graduated from Tech High School in 1958 where he met his first love Barbara Jean Anderson and married her on August 15, 1958. They had three beautiful children together, Donald Jr, Laurie, and Bruce. In 1968, Don became a member of the FreeMason in Omaha, Nebraska. He continued his membership throughout his lifetime. This molded Don into the man he became. Don loved the community of Fairbury and was a member of the planning commission and ran for city council. Don and Barbara divorced in 1986. Don then remarried Yvonne Lange on January 11, 1992. He moved into the Heritage Care Center in Fairbury, Nebraska on January 4, 2011. Throughout his stay, he developed many close relationships with residents and staff.  He also managed the “Singing Nurses” at the Heritage. Don loved Husker football, KC Royals, fishing, country music, western movies and most importantly his family. He also loved vanilla ice cream and lemon meringue pie.

Don is survived by sons Donald Aken Jr and fiancé (Rose) and Bruce Aken and spouse (Ronda), and daughter Laurie Hanson and spouse (Rick), sister Lavonne Randolph and brother David Aken.  He is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Yvonne Aken, mother Faye Theo Rose, father Orville E. Aken, step-father Andrew Rose, brother Edward Aken, sister Faye Rose, grandparents, many aunts, uncles and friends.

Family visitation will be at the Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home 2414 H St, Fairbury, NE on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The funeral service will be held at the First Baptist Church 901 F St, Fairbury, NE on Thursday, December 12, 2019 at 10:30 am. Interment will follow services at Fairbury Cemetery.

Family request memorials be sent to the FreeMasons Chapter in Fairbury, Nebraska.

In honor of our father being a huge husker fan feel free to wear husker clothing.