Delbert Aye

Delbert Allen Aye, 91, of Tonganoxie, Kansas, passed away peacefully in his home on January 29th, 2021, surrounded by family.
Due to COVID¬19, a private inurnment will be held at the Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, Kansas. A public celebration of life is planned for May.
Delbert was born May 20th, 1929, in Avalon, Missouri, the son of Ralph and Mabel (Riddle) Aye. He was united in marriage to Billie Lee (Hudson) Aye on June 30th, 1951; a mutual friend set them up on a blind date. They enjoyed 69 ½ years of marriage. He served in the U. S. Army in the Korean War; after his discharge from the Army, Delbert worked for Graves Truck Line (which later became ANR Freight), until his retirement.
Delbert was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Ralph E. “Gene” Aye, Vera Aye Clatterbuck, Sylburt Aye, Neal Aye, Elvin Aye, and Evelyn Aye English.
Survivors include his wife Billie, of the home, and four children and their spouses, including Sara Aye Froehlich and husband Tom of Good Thunder, Minnesota; Melody Aye Loya and husband Carlos of Stephenville, Texas; Mark Aye and wife Susan, of Tonganoxie, Kansas, and David “Jim” Aye of Cocoa, Florida. He has one surviving brother, Phillip Aye, of Emporia, Kansas, and one sister, Judy Giddings, of Tacoma, Washington. He and Billie have 10 grandchildren, eleven greatgrandchildren and four great¬great grandchildren.
He was an avid car enthusiast and collector and he and Billie were members of several car clubs including the Henry Leavenworth Antique Auto Club, in Leavenworth, Kansas; the Plain Ol’ A’s in Shawnee, Kansas; and the Model A Ford Club of America (MAFCA) in La Habra, California. Delbert and Billie loved traveling in their antique cars. He restored several antique cars from the ground up, bringing them back to their former glory. He was always willing to take family, friends, and even strangers for rides in the cars. It gave him great joy to share them with people at car shows, parades, and visits to nursing homes.
Delbert spent his life helping others, giving freely of his time and expertise in many ways. He served as a 4¬H leader for many years, teaching woodworking and small engines to many young people. He had a wonderful sense of humor, even in his final days.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations to the Tonganoxie Historical Society or the Good Shepherd Thrift Shop in Tonganoxie. The family also requests that you “pay it forward” in some way, honoring the legacy of giving and helping that defined Delbert’s life.