Jarvies K. Aydelotte

Jarvies K. "Jake" Aydelotte June 12, 1922 - May 3, 2009 Jake Aydelotte of Waco died peacefully at a local hospital Sunday, May 3, 2009. Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 7, at Oakwood Cemetery with Dr. Stephen Ramsdell officiating. Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 6, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Garden Room. Jake was born June 12, 1922, in Manassa, Colorado, to Albert and Mime Aydelotte. He met and married Gwynne Grooms of Coolidge, Texas, in 1946, and together they raised four children, moving frequently during his long and distinguished career with the Air Force. Jake served as a B-52 pilot for the Strategic Air Command. He also served and flew during the Korean War. He retired from the military with the rank of Major, after which he completed his higher education in Waco. As a civilian he worked as administrator of the Regis-St. Elizabeth Center in Waco. He continued working at the Regis after his own retirement, making himself available to residents as a handyman and friend. For many years Jake was active in the Waco Rotary Club and Waco's First United Methodist Church. He had fond memories of serving as a member of the Odell-Dudley Sunday School class. Jake loved his wife, his children, his grandchildren and golf. He loved travel and people and conversation and cards. He was a consummate storyteller, a student of life, a war hero and a friend to everyone. He will be missed, but he leaves those he loved with many happy memories. He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Genevieve, Albert, Evelyn Vila, Reva Laveryl, George Nevin and John Kenneth. He is survived by his wife, Gwynne, of Waco; two sons, Rod Aydelotte of Waco, and John Aydelotte of Ft. Collins, Colorado; two daughters, Candace Alsop of Andover, Massachusetts, and Kim Scheps Derr of Bellaire, Texas; 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Memorials may be made to the Pastor's Discretionary Fund at First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 7736, Waco TX 76714-7736. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com.