SFC John Dewey Aid, USA/Ret., slipped away peacefully on Oct. 16, 2010, after a hard fought battle with Alzheimer’s disease at the E. L. Bennett Florida State Veteran’s Home in Daytona Beach, Fla. Hospice was with him to the end.
He was born on Oct. 21, 1925 in Ava, Mo.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Hilde B. Aid, and his daughter, Martha-Jean Johnson, both of Orange Park, Fla.; a brother Frank Aid and his wife, Frances, and their large extended family in Ava, Mo.
His parents, James and Katherine Aid, brother Roy Aid and son-in-law, Steven Johnson, preceded him in death.
After World War II started, John misstated his age and joined the US Army. His career assignments included China-Burma-India with Merrill’s Marauder’s, Germany, Austria, France, Fort Bragg, Fort Rucker, Fort Eustis, Korea (both during the War and after), Vietnam, and Fort Campbell.
After 30 years of service, he retired from active duty in 1972. His service awards include two Bronze Stars, three Purple Hearts, Combat Infantry Badge and 29 other awards.
He then worked for the Veteran’s Administration in Murfreesboro and Nashville, Tenn., for eight years.
Mr. Aid never met a stranger and always went “the extra mile” to help people in need. He was very involved in the Smyrna, Tenn., and Silver Springs, Fla., Lion’s Clubs. His entire life was devoted to service to his country and his fellow human beings. He held life memberships in CBI, DAV, and VFW.
Later in life, his passion for golf and fishing kept him busy and in great physical shape. His many friends and family in Ava, Mo., Smyrna, Tenn., Ocala and Orange Park, Fla., will miss him greatly.
Service arrangements are pending. He will be interred at Holly Hill, 3601 Old Jennings Road, Middleburg, Fla.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s and Cancer Research.
He had one son, James Aid, in Nashville, Tenn.
