Kenneth "Ken" James Aiello, 96, of Pleasant Valley, MO, passed away surrounded by loving family Tuesday, February 10, 2015. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. concluding with Masonic ceremony Sunday, February 15, at Church-Archer-Pasley Funeral Home, 119 E. Franklin, Liberty. Services will be Monday, February 16, at 10 a.m. with brief visitation at 9:30 at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, 1600 N 291 HWY, Liberty. Ken was born August 25, 1918 to Antonio and Clara Belle (Burnett) Aiello in Kansas City, MO. He was a graduate of Northeast High School, and Northeast Junior College. He married Marie Elizabeth Hagerman on October 17, 1942. They were married for over 53 years until the time of his wife’s passing, January 26, 1996. Ken proudly served his country in the Army’s 17th Airborne Division, 680th Glider Field Artillery, during WWII. He served in combat in the Battle of the Bulge and Operation Varsity, which are attributed as catalysts for the Allied Forces win. He was honorably discharged Corporal status with three Bronze Stars. Ken worked in parts, advertising, accounting, and sales for Frigidaire from 1942 until his retirement from the company over 32 years later. He moved to Pleasant Valley in 1947 and was henceforth active in the local community, serving as Mayor for 6 years, judge, and president of the Board of Education. Ken was a longtime member of the Liberty Masonic Lodge #31 for over 50 years, serving as Worshipful Master, Past Master, and then as Treasurer for 39 years. As a member of the Pleasant Valley Senior Citizen’s group, he also held role of Treasurer. He was a member of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church where he had many friends. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, travelling to visit friends and attend military reunions, and most of all family—he loved to celebrate any holiday with a large family gathering. Kenneth was preceded in death by his loving wife, Marie; his parents; brothers Louis and Richard; sister Mary Smith, and husband Arthur "Smitty"; and sons-in-law Jack Hough and Robert Carter. Left to forever cherish his memory are his four daughters: Carol Hough of Garden City; Janet Wallace of Gladstone; Linda Carter of Liberty; Mary Pangburn, and husband Tim, of Liberty; sisters-in-law Rita Aiello of Kansas City, Glendena Perkins of Osceola, and Pauline Hagerman of Bella Vista, AR; grandchildren Laurie Roark, and husband Les, of Liberty; Jill DeVoe, and husband Mike, of New Market, IA; Mark Naylor, and wife Susan, of Minneola, FL; Nickie Chow, and husband William, of Bothell, WA; Kelly Pangburn of Liberty; Jacob Carter of Pleasant Valley; Daniel Carter, and wife Lacy, of Kansas City; seven great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, and loving friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Lung Association, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, or Pleasant Valley Manor Care Center.