Robert Edwain Aikman

Robert E. "Herb" Aikman of Decatur, died at Star Regional Center in Athens early Saturday morning. Born July 10, 1949, he was of the Baptist faith and passed away peacefully into the next life after a courageous battle with cancer. He was a veteran USMC, serving and seeing action in Vietnam, with the 6th recon marines, Semper, Fl., he had served as job stewart and president of the local IBEW chapter and retired from TVA. He was the owner of Aikman Excavation, was an avid drag boat racer and fan. He was instrumental in establishing the free bread ministry at Lakeside Baptist Church, the upward basketball program, feed the kids summer program and the annual Ten Mile Christmas Parade. He served as kitchen director of Lakeside Baptist and was the co-founder of the new Gathering Ministry at the Ten Mile School. He was a charter member and vice president of the Saints and Sinners Club, Watts Bar Branch. He will be sorely missed. He is preceded in death by his parents, William "Bill" Aikman and Mary "Tookie" Aikman, infant sister Juanita. Survived by his eldest son Jeffery Todd Aikman and wife Angie of Spring City and their children Schyler, Bradley and Hayley, daughter Lt. Commander USN MD Jady Leahy and husband Robert of Va.; daughter Taylor Aikman of Cleveland, son Elliot who has been his amazing steadfast relentless caregiver and was by his side till the end. His adopted son Brian Templeton. Two loving brothers, his eldest William "Ross" Aikman and wife Leslie of Decatur, his youngest Johnny Aikman and wife Helen of Ten Mile. Brothers Jim Moore of Lenoir City and Lynn King of Ten Mile. Nephew Kevin Aikman and wife Tiffany of Decatur, TN. Special cousins Randy Aikman and Beverly of Athens, Roy Aikman and June of Birchwood, and many more relatives and friends. Family will receive friends at Bowers Funeral Home in Decatur for 5-8 on Friday Dec. 20 with a memorial service at 8 pm. A graveside service with military honors will be at Rocky Springs Cemetery at 12 pm Saturday, Dec. 21. A special memorial covered dish dinner will be held at 5 pm Saturday at the Old Ten Mile Gym. All are invited for this celebration.