Clair H. Aiken

Clair H. Aiken, 96, of Midland, died Thursday morning, May 2, 2013, at Tendercare of Midland. He was born Nov. 3, 1916, in Jackson, the son of Murray W. and Myrtle (Lougheed) Aiken. Clair graduated from Jackson High School in 1934 and earned his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan in 1938.

Clair married Hilda Bensch on March 29, 1941, in Midland. He was employed by The Dow Chemical Co. in 1940 until his retirement in 1980 in design engineering. He was a registered professional engineer in the State of Michigan, and a member of the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers (MSPE), where he served as state and chapter president. In 1973, Clair was honored as Engineer of the Year by the MSPE.

He was a member of Kiwanis Club of Midland, where he served as president in 1979. He was instrumental in the design and construction of the Midland Volunteers for Recycling facility. Clair was an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church, teaching Sunday school, serving on the Board of Elders, Building Committee, and also as a Boy Scout Leader. He was a member of the Midland Country Club, where he was an avid golfer, enjoyed Bridge and traveling.

Clair is survived by his wife, Hilda, of 72 years; children, Jerry Aiken of vTucson, Ariz., Rick (Donna Jo) Aiken of Midland, Kathy Aiken of Midland, Debbie (Keith) Dompier of Gilbert, Ariz.; grandchildren, Kurt (Lisa) Aiken, Scott (Jamie) Aiken, Heather Aiken, Brandon Aiken, Ryan (Ashlie) Dompier, Andrew Dompier, Kevin (Christine) Dompier, Christine Dompier, Jacquelyn Dompier; nine great-grandchildren; and brother-in-law, Darl Taylor of Gaylord. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Aiken; sisters, Nancy Taylor and Betty Aiken; daughters-in-law, Shirley Aiken, Janis Aiken; and great-granddaughter, Haven Smith.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the Tendercare staff for the care Clair received during his stay.

Funeral services for Clair will take place at 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 7, 2013, at St. John's Lutheran Church, 505 E. Carpenter St. The Rev. Matthew Makela and The Rev. Daniel Kempin will officiate, with burial in Midland Cemetery. Friends may call at the Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 W. Wheeler St., on Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., and at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until time of services. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider St. John's Lutheran Church or the Midland Kiwanis Foundation, P.O Box 2251, Midland, MI 48641-2251. www.waresmithwoolever.com.