William R. "Bill" Aiken, age 85 of Jasper, Arkansas passed away Monday, July 13, 2009 at Newton County Nursing Home in Jasper. He was born January 1, 1924 in Granbury, Texas to Virgil and Glenn (Hurst) Aiken.

He had lived in Newton County eleven years and was a member of Mary Mother of God Catholic Church in Harrison. He was also a a member of the Masons and Knights of Columbus. He had attended Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, California, where he obtained his Bachelor's degree.

Bill also worked as a director of a alcohol/drug abuse center and was a veteran of the United States Army, serving in World War II in the European Theater with the Eleventh Armored Division.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers.

Survivors are his wife, Emmi (Bault) Aiken of Jasper; four sons, William B. Aiken of Houston, Texas, Glen E. Aiken of Lexington, Kentucky, Donald Aiken of Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Shannon B. Aiken of Pensacola, Florida. Six grandchildren also survive him.

Cremation and arrangements are being handled by Coffman Funeral Home in Jasper.

There will be a memorial service at the Mary Mother of God Catholic Church in Harrison, 10 A.M. Thursday, August 6, 2009 with burial to follow at the Jasper Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army or Newton County Nursing Home.

Online condolences may be left at www.coffmanfh.com.