Melvin Eugene Layland

1931 - 2011

MELVIN E. LAYLAND

Melvin Eugene Layland, the son of George and Hansena Hansen Layland, was born January 3, 1931, at his Aunt's home in rural Exira, Iowa and died January 10, 2011, at his home in Glenwood, Iowa at the age of 80 years and 7 days.
Melvin attended school in Hamlin, Iowa and later received his GED in 1973. Melvin's parents were killed in an auto accident in 1940 when he was only nine years old. Melvin was raised by his two uncles then later moved to Davenport, Iowa. In 1951, he enlisted in the United States Army. During his tour of duty he served in Anchorage, Alaska. He was honorably discharged in 1953. Melvin returned to Audubon and was employed by Audubon County for a short time then was a truck driver for Williams Truck Line for eight years.
Melvin moved to Huntington Beach, California and was employed as a manager at CamBros where they fabricated fiber glass products. He met Mary Lou Mattson and her family of four children. Melvin and Mary Lou were later married and returned to Audubon in 1971. Melvin worked for Emmert's trucking for a short time. He then was hired by the City of Audubon as the water superintendent. He worked for the city for over 23 years retiring in 1995. In 1997, he moved to Glenwood, Iowa to be near his daughter Wendy and his four grandchildren. Melvin has been the care taker of the Woodglen Apartments since moving to Glenwood.
Melvin has been attending the Living Hope Community Church in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He was a member of the Audubon Lions Club and a member of the American Legion Post #120 Audubon, Iowa. One of Melvin's greatest pleasures was being with his grandchildren and teaching them card games.
Melvin was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Bob Layland.
He is survived by his children Mike Layland Mattson and his fiancée Cassie both of Bunker Hill, Virginia, Kathy Layland Cvitanovich and her husband Anthony Cvitanovich of Los Angeles, California, Dale Layland Mattson of Claremont, California, Wendy Layland Bales and her husband Tony Bales of Glenwood, Iowa; his grandchildren Matthew Mattson of Bunker Hill, Nichole and Alexa Cvitanovich both of Los Angeles, Ruth, Sam, and Hannah Mattson all of Claremont, Noa, Isaac Layland, Eli, and Silas Bales all of Glenwood; his sister Leona Harris of Lubbock, Texas; his sister-in-law Wilma Layland of Audubon, Iowa; Melvin's (also known as "Pa" by his grandchildren) best canine friend, Petie Bales, and other close relatives including Deborah Swensen of Audubon and her family Nathan and Emily Swensen and their son Andrew John all of Carroll, Iowa and Jesse Swensen of Audubon.
Funeral services will be conducted by Melvin's son-in-law Tony Bales on Saturday, January 15, 2011, at 2:00 P.M. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Audubon, Iowa. Interment will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Audubon. The casket bearers will be Arnold Krauel, Steve Stetzel, Craig Wanninger, and Franklin Layland. The family will meet with friends on Saturday afternoon from 12:30 P.M. until the time of the service at the Kessler Funeral Home in Audubon.