Donald Aytes

Born: July 17, 1929.  Died: April 21, 2023, at age 93.

 

Don was born to Jesse and Oma Aytes in Owensville, MO.  After graduating high school, he served in the U.S. Air Force.  On July 11, 1953, he married Delores Rethemeyer.  They raised their 3 children – Mike, Sue, and Steve – in Woodson Terrace, MO.  While raising their family Don usually held a second job as part of his and Delores’ commitment to their children.  In the early 1980’s Don and Delores moved to St. Peters, MO.

 

Don was a dedicated public servant.  He worked for the U.S. Postal Service for over 33 years before retiring.  He served as an alderman – first in Woodson Terrace, and later in St. Peters.  In St. Peters he served as an alderman from 1984 until he retired in 2002.  He was encouraged to come back, and was elected again in 2007, serving until 2019.  He retired again at age 90 – serving St. Peters for 30 years. 

 

As an alderman in St. Peters, Don was instrumental in establishing their recycling program and earned the nickname “The King of Cardboard”.  When he retired for the last time in 2019 the city named their recycling facility the “Aytes Community Recycling Center’ in honor of all Don’s work on behalf of the recycling program and the city.

 

Don and Delores were married for almost 70 years when he died.  He is survived by Delores, his 3 children, 2 daughters-in-law, 8 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and thousands of constituents that he served faithfully.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!   5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.   7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.