William Herman Aiken went to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 29 at 5:14 AM at the age of 81.  He is preceded in death by a son, William Herman Aiken Jr.; his parents, John and Irene Aiken; six sisters, Zalie Richardson, Lonora Deen Aiken, Dorthy Clark, Velma Boykin, Alice Aiken, and Patsy Day; and two brothers, Jack Aiken and Frank Aiken. 

Herman married Wanema Simons on October 22, 1955 in Baird, Texas.  Herman was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend.  He is survived by his wife, Wanema Aiken; two daughters, Cherie and Lloyd Dail, Rene and Ken Wells; four grandchildren, Crystal and Wesley Rose, Chad and Bridjett Dail, Kayla Wells, and Cody Wells; and three great grandchildren, Cayson Dail, Victory Rose, and Cooper Dail.    

Herman worked at Bishop’s Chevrolet in Cross Plains from 1962-1966 then West Texas Utilities as a small town service man in Merkel for twenty-three years until he medically retired in 1989. He enjoyed boating, fishing and camping at Lake Brownwood, hunting at the deer lease, working in his shop, restoring old tractors and cars, building birdhouses for family and friends, traveling to all fifty states, watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren play and coach sports, and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  He also enjoyed having a big slice of Wanema’s coconut pie.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Monday, April 30. Funeral services will be held at Higginbotham Funeral Home at 309 Northeast Fourth Street in Cross Plains, Texas on Tuesday, May 1 at 11:00 AM.  Interment will take place at Cross Plains Memorial Park immediately following the service.  Condolences may be sent to Higginbotham Funeral Home.