Andrus J. Aiken, Sr., 69
DOVER - On February 7th, 2021, heaven had a wonderful reunion with a great man. Andrus J. Aiken, Sr. of Dover, Del., passed away due to complications from COVID-19. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jeri M. Garber; brother, Roger N. Aiken; and mother-in-law, Alice M. Blair.
Andy served in the U.S. Air Force spending time in Okinawa, Japan, Ellsworth, S.D., Elmendorf, Alaska, and Dover, Del. where he formed life-long friendships with those he served with. He was a proud veteran and family man. After his military career, he managed and owned restaurants, was a warehouseman for General Foods, and continued serving in the Reserves and civil service at DAFB. Most recently, he was a driver for Connections, Inc.
He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Jean D. Aiken of Dover, Del.; son, Andrus Aiken Jr. (Kellie) of Felton; daughter, Brandy Burnham (Danny) of Dover, Del.; and son-in-law, Chris Garber of Iron Station, N.C. Additionally, he leaves behind the most wonderful grandchildren, Hope and Dru Aiken of Felton, Del.; Faith Garber of Iron Station, N.C.; and Kayla, Kenzie, and Grant Ford all of Kent Co., Del. He was delighted to be called PopPop Andy by Kaden Moseder, Brantley Carrow, and Mason Robeson as well. Andy had two bonus daughters who he became Dad #2 to each, Karla Akmentins of Magnolia, Del., and Amanda Pieshala of Camden, Del. He leaves behind an abundance of other important family members and friends, who loved him and he loved unconditionally.
A sports enthusiast at heart, he was a lifelong fan of the Orioles, Flyers, and Washington football team - as well as any other team who beat the Eagles (except when he was rooting for the "Dirty Birds" with his granddaughter Faith). His favorite thing in life was spending time with his loved ones, especially his grandchildren. He never met a stranger and made everyone around him feel like family. With a smile on his face and sense of humor for days, Andy will be missed by so many – including his fur g-babies, Cannon, Evan, Lexi and Hansy Ponsy, who he spoiled as much as his grandchildren.
Andy would always say, "learn a lot", and we know that is what he is doing right now. He would not want us to be sad for long, but to be living life one celebration at a time – with a smile on our face, memories being made, and with Myrtle Beach on our minds. Our family will continue honoring him by doing just that, especially as we continue to compete over who his favorite was.
A special THANK YOU to all the ICU nursing staff and doctors, especially Michelle, Megan, Kendall, and Justice. The kindness, compassion, and dedicated service you provided our family will forever be in our hearts. Justice – thank you for holding his hand when we could not, as he passed to the other side of the veil.
Due to COVID regulations and family request, a walk-thru only viewing will be held from 11-11:45 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 15th at Trader Funeral Home, 12 Lotus St., Dover, Del. A private immediate family only service will follow with burial being at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro, Del. For those who wish to join in the memorial service, you can view it by visiting Trader Funeral Home Facebook page.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made with Trader Funeral Home, 12 Lotus Street, Dover, DE 19901 to help with funeral costs.
A celebration memorial will be held for ALL family and friends later down the road when pandemic conditions ease up and we can safely be together.
Letters of condolences may be sent to www.traderfh.com