Benjamin J. Laymon Obituary

Hey brother! I think about you all the time, and all the "what if's" that could bring you back. The good die young, and bro you were too damn young! Thank you for your service, sacrifice. I salute you brother!

Sgt. Ben Laymon thank you for giving your life for me and us to your country my you R.I.P. Wanted to honor you in your memory in your hometown of Mt.Vernon, Ohio with an event in town boxes for the troops little something from home for them fighting this war all this time. I honor your memory and never forgotten Sgt.Laymon

Ben just thinking of you on this 4th of July 2013 can't believe it has been this long my freind. You still bring a smile to my face for all the times we had fun together and the matt folley impressions. It would be a blast to get together and catch up on old times someday it will happen. Just thought I would let you know I haven't forgot about you and still think of you from time to time you will never be forgotten and will always be thanked for all you have done friendship wise and for the country. Thanks and love you brother.

Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Laymon Family know that we recently sent Care Packages to American troops in the war zones. Each box carried a dedication sheet that includes the name, service information and a photo of your loved one. We recognize that this is a humble tribute, but we wanted you to know that it is heartfelt and made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals in the youth hockey community and beyond. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign

Ben,

I can hardly believe it has been five years my brother. It seems like yesterday we were laughing and cutting up in that old burned out hospital in Iraq. I still tell stories about you to this day although I find myself getting choked up wishing you were still here. We all miss you so very much and yet we are happy knowing that you are in a much better place than the rest of us here. You are truly one of the best friends I have ever had. Rest well my friend, rest well.

Jason Thompson
H Troop, 1-10 CAV 2001-2004

Can it really be 5 years already? Ben, time stands still it seems whenever you and Dennis cross my mind. I open my eyes and another month has passed and I wonder where time might have gone. Life doesn't always turn out the way you planned it would, and I understand that now more then I ever wanted to - but knowing that you both are laid to rest because of your bravery and you love for justice and human kind only reminds me that life is worth fighting for and for those who fight for freedom, it has a price the protected will never know.
You are loved and missed everyday Ben, although I am sure you know this already. So many people honor your memory and it is truly an amazing site to see.
I hope you and Dennis found each other in Heaven and are at peace with the world you left behind. There may always be sad days for those who were close to you, but just know that for all the sad moments there are twice as many happy memories you made with those you loved and those memories carry them through.
Thank you for believing in something so much grater then yourself, and honoring this nation with your confidence that good can come from bad. You are a Hero, and the next time Michael John and I are in town we will be sure to visit. miss you doll. Take care of Dennis for me.

To the family and friends of Sgt. Benjamin J. Laymon:
Please accept my remembrance of Benjamin on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

I have knowen Benny since middle school. He was on the football team and I was a cheerleader middle though HS. We werent so close in middle school but our Freshmen yr of HS we had the same art class together. We sat at the same table and he was always picking on me in a good way! I though he was annoying for awhile, but the more and more I talk to him the more we starting to get to know one another and relized we had so much in common. He started to walk me to my classes and wait at my locker. We had so many good laughs and conversations toghter. He wanted me romanic one time but I did not feel the same way. The more we hung out the more we became closer! One day he walked up to me and said "You are such a good person. We are like best friends." I was so happy he said that cause I felt the same way! Ever since that we were the Best of friends and he never let me down. The yr 2001 the 9-11 attack hit Ben decited he was going into the Army. He always wanted to go into the army but after that attack I saw sometthing in Ben i never saw..ANGER....I begged him not to go but he had made up his mind. When we got out of HS he started his journy into the army. He fought so hard to get into shape and get ready for boot camp. He was running so much a day to lose some weight. When he lost it he started boot camp. He came back home and was so excited that he made it though! I was happy for him but still knew he was going to be going to Iraq. When He got station in Texas we talked on the phone as much as we could. When he got shipped over to Iraq I recived many letters and cards from him. Talked to him though yahoo chat alot and on the phone when he was able to call. It was very hard for me to talk to him at times cause he was a totally diff person. Still the same silly Ben but had a more stonger attitude. He knew what he was there for and knew he could die. We keep in contact as much as we could and when he was home we made time to hang out. 3 nights before he died we chatted on yahoo chat. he was finally coming home and be done with the army. We made arrangements that I was gonna come pick him up at the columbus airport and take him home. That day never came... I wont forget the day he died. Someone had wrote on my myspace page that they were sorry to hear about Ben. They knew we were really close. I freaked cause I had know clue what happen. I called his mom and got the bad news. That day was so hard and to think about it now still brings tears to my eyes. His passing was so hard that it brough me and his mother close together. I have a locket she gave me. ben pic is in it and his hair is on the other side. I wear it from time to time but not all the time cause Im afriad ill loose it. It took a couple of weeks for his body to come back from Iraq and when he arrived home I was able to go with his family to watch the plan land in Delware Oh there were 4 soliders that had SOLIDED before pulling his casket out of the plane. To see that was the worse to know that all of ben was in there. His funeral came and tons of people came to say good bye. Ben was a wonderful person i will always remember his laught his voice and his smile. he had a gift to always put a smile on peoples faces. He always put me in a good mood after we talked. I still read his letters from time to time and still get teared up. I have had so many signs from him letting me know he is ok and happy. From time to tiem I have dreams about him. Its nice to have those dreams to get to see him again. I miss him so much. I have a daughter and she will know him and know how speical he was in my heart! Love you Benny bear your best friends..Jess

Thank You Ben for serving. I thank the mother and father for allowing Ben to do what he wanted to do, go into the ARMY. I know he made you all very proud. I never knew Ben, but I am also very proud to have served in the same US ARMY as SGT. Laymon. Stand tall, shoulders back, chest out! -as you look into heaven while you celebrate Bens' life. This would make Ben proud of you. God Bless Ben and his family. Mount Vernon, Ohio ARMY VET

Isnt it strange how now our lives have crossed again Benny? I find myself stmbling across old memories of you and I often think about those golf clubs u had from your Dad... wonder if you smiled the day Jim took Dennis out to golf course near your home that summer... wonder if you and Dennis now travel the world and hit a few balls out on the green. I imagine what great friends you probably have become and brag to all those about how Ohio is the best. I miss u both so much, just needed you to know that... and I know you were there the day I said to say goodbye, and I know you showed him the way to heaven's gates, so thank you... love u Benny.

To the family and friends of Sgt. Benjamin J. Laymon:
Remembering Benjamin on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

To the family of Sgt. Benjamin J. Laymon:
Benjamin gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,450 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna

We miss you everyday. I teach Byron & Abby about our great nation through you. I served, but cannot fathom the depth & dedication to what you gave all of us. We loved you buddy!

Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.


The Wind on The Downs

“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”

(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )

Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….

“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”


I did not know Ben, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Other Side

i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.

can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.

i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side

the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)

“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008


The Other Side –
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol



Sincerely,

Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom and MIL

Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55

Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b

Hey Benny,
You pass my mind everyday, and it keeps me smiling whenever I think of how brave you were and how you touched so many people through your walks of life. Dixon and I mention you often in our talks and I know you will keep him and the guys safe in their travels. go catch a sunset or two for me Benny... love you.

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Sgt Laymon!

I LOVE YOU BENNY BEAR!! Missing you every single day and wish u were here to share my laughs with. Love you forever!! your BFF Jess

i just wanted to leave a note to sgt laymon i was in his platoon and i loved wrestling with him. he died on my wedding anniversary and for that he will never be forgotten. i think about ben often and wish we didnt loose him. i just want you to know ben i miss you hope you are living it up where ever you are........tim

Thinking of you this Veteran's Day and want you to know how very proud of you I am.

You were a wonderful son and I miss you so very much.

Love you - Mom

Brother, what can I say. I miss you so much man. It's been over a year since you got reassigned to guard the pearly gates. I just wanted to chat with you for a sec and let you know I still think of you all the time. Half of my Army stories that I share with people are about you and the great times we had. I know you are standing tall and keeping it safe up there because you were always the best Soldier I ever had working with me.

Ben truly was one of the greatest Americans I ever had the honor of serving with. Even when we would come in dusty, dirty sweaty from the road he would always be the first one to step up and go back out with me regardless of the time. I never ever had to ask Ben for help he was always right there by my side whatever the situation. I am so proud of the Soldier, man and friend you grew to be. Noone could ever fill the shoes you have left behind. Again I miss you terribly and I Love You man. I'm still here holding the line and keeping it real brother. When you get a chance look in on me from time to time. I'll see you later man.

There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.

Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.

I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.

REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!

PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Sgt Laymon and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! It is especially sad to lose a fellow member of the Buckeye state. May God bless all of you!!

“Soldier”
Written to Honor the Service of Our Fallen Soldiers

Soldiers write history, we pay the price
Many miles distant, you live the life
Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still

We hope and pray that all will find peace
In God, in the flag, in memories of valor
Gone now, our pride and courage you see
“An Army of One” our motto forever

Willing to risk all for love of our Brothers
We’re still Your Soldiers…and we showed the way
Our Lives too short, now pray for the others
Lived free died Heroes in lands far away

Deep within souls all cherished our Service
We’ll always have what some never know
Courage and Honor, our names forever
Lived life with purpose…just our time to go

We march in the Heavens with Honor and Glory
Missions accomplished we fought the Good Fight
Many years from now…we’ll tell the full story
Until that Day we will live in the Light

Our lives we laid down in a land far away
Still watching o’er you this night and by day
No need to talk…just know we are with you
There in your hearts and we hear what you pray

Yes we are your soldiers
Our lives we laid down
Still We guard o’er you
Still Duty bound

Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still
We’ll always have what some never know
Lived life with purpose…it was our time to go

Jim and Kathy, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We think about you often. Ben was a true american HERO and will never be forgotten.

Hey Bubby have a wonderful christmas it won't be the same without you. Take care of your mother, dave and your brothers. They need you more than ever though these holidays. Bring them peace and joy. Merry Christmas I love you forever.

Gale and Dave you guys are the most wonderful people I know, that raised such a wonderful and hansome son. I loved ben with all my heart and would do anything to protect him. His the bestest friend a girl could have. He alwys knew how to make me happy with his charming smile and laugh. Ben, I wish you could be here today and for the holidays. I miss u so much and hope your doing fine. I think about you all the time and will always keep you forever in my heart. love you always Jess

Ben:

It has been almost five months and the pain is still fresh. Today is your 23rd birthday and how I wish you were here so we could celebrate. I am grateful that I have so many wonderful memories of you that when I am really sad I can shut my eyes and see you there. I love you and miss you. I will always protect you.

Love, Mom

You were a wonderful man Ben. And I am so glad that I was able to have you in my life for the time that I did. Thanks for watching out for me when I needed it the most. I will miss you always..and my heart will never be the same. Thank you for all that you have done..and you are truely a hero!

Benny was a hero long before he left us. His parents and the military are to thank for that. I will never be the same without him. He has a permanent place in hearts all across the world!!!

I can not tell you what Benny meant to me just for the way he was. He was such a wonderful young man with the smile to brighten anyones day. I will always remember that. He is loved by so many and I hope one day you will know what Benny meant to me and why, He never looked at anyone without an ope heart and I will thank him forever for that.

Gale & Family,

Thank you so much for raising a wonderful and American HERO! There are no perfect words in a time like this, but I just wanted to personally say thank you. Our world is a better place because of your Benny, and I hope that helps give you comfort in your difficult times. I've been following all the websites and messages and although I didn't know Ben as an adult, it's amazing what people say about him! I remember the few times I babysat Andy and Benny (when he was 5), and he was such a wonderful little boy...and so adorable! Seeing all the pics of him as a man reminded me of the exact expressions he had then and how I adored him as a little boy. I remember hoping I had a boy as cute and sweet as him, and now that I do, I hope he becomes half the man that Ben is! I now know that there is no love greater than a mother's love for her son, and I pray that all of the great memories and the HONOR of your wonderful son give you a lifetime of joy. And thank you Benny, for your ultimate sacrifice!!! You truly are an American HERO. This Independence Day was much more of a reality of it's meaning, as it always will be for your family and closest friends. God Bless you all!

I am deeply sorry for your loss.

May God's Loving Grace and comfort be with the Laymon family.

Please Know Benjamin will never be forgotten.

From the sister of a Fallen Hero, in Vietnam, many years ago.

Romans 8:18

To the family of Ben I would like to say, thank you. Your son served this country and died as a hero. My nephew, SGT. Justin Norton was also killed in the same explosion. My family will keep your family in our prayers. Not only will we remember Justin, but will will also never forget Ben.

I send my deepest sympathies on Ben's loss. I had the honor of exchanging a few letters with him during his first deployment, having received his name from a "support the troops" website. While he may not be with you in body, his spirit and the memories of him will last forever. No man truly dies, that is held in our heart and our memory.



Our thoughts and prayers are with you.



Virginia Hansen

Air Force Mom

My husband Sfc Chris Onufrak and Sgt Laymon served together in Iraq in 2003. He was a good soldier and will be missed. We wish we could be there to pay our respects. My prayers are with you all.

It is so hard for me to find the right words, but I want to thank you for allowing me the opportunity to know and serve with one of the finest Americans I have ever known. I received Ben as a brand new Private before OIF1 and we served side by side for over a year. The world is truly a lesser place without Ben here. I lit a candle in prayer at the Trier Cathedral here in Germany for Ben and his family, I hope it has brought some peace to you. Anyone interested may contact me regarding all the pictures I have of Ben from OIF 1.

THANK YOU WE NEED MORE MEN LIKE SGT. BENJAMIN. HE GAVE HIS LIFE SO THAT WE MAY LIVE FREE THANK YOU AGAIN FOR A GREAT SON. A RETIRED SM.

I'm Very sorry for your loss...my husband SSG Michael Thornton was one of Ben's roomates, I had the privilage of being with my husband, Ben, and the rest of the guys for 2 months when they were at camp Charlie...Ben ALWAYS made me laugh he's one of the funniest and nicest guys I know he could always make me smile!! He will truly be missed by many of us here...

I'm sorry that I did not have the privilege of knowing your brave son Ben. After reading how Ben always had a smile on his face, and was just a super nice guy, I'm sure that he will be missed dearly. I want to thank you for raising such a self-sacrificing young man. Ben will not be forgotten. A true hero is one who makes a sacrifice for others. Ben will always be my Hero.

There are times when words are not enough so may God's eternal promises and everlasting love surround you now.

I am with thee . . . I will strengthen thee.

Isaiah 41:10

Gale and Family,

I know this is one of your most difficult times right now and you wonder if you will ever get through it. You will because of all the great memories you have of such a wonderful son, friend and HERO. Memories and friends will always be there for you. God Bless you all.

Connie Bryant & Family

To the Family of Sgt. Benjamin J. Laymon;

My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courgeous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life. We lost a son 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday.

I know first hand there are no words right now that will bring you the comfort and peace you need. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you mourn this loss. We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with. I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally, but none of these courageous men and women will be forgotten. They will never be able to be replaced, but sometime, someday your loving memories will help to sustain you. This courageous soldier will forever now be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well. To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is those wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever. If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero. God Bless this courageous soldier and family.

Pam Adams (SFC Brent Adams, KIA 12/1/05 Ramadi, Iraq)

[email protected]

(Millersville, PA )

True heroes are never lost, they inspire those that remain.

May God bless you and keep you and bring you peace.

Gale,

Many hearts go out to you at this time of such disbelief and sadness. And though no one can take away your sorrow, may the support, concern and love of others help give you the strength you need from day to day.

We are here for you.

WORDS CAN NEVER EXPRESS THE HEARTFELT SYMPATHY WE ARE CARRYING FOR YOU. MAY YOU FIND PEACE AND UNDERSTANDING THROUGH THE LOVE OF GOD WHO KNOWS THE REASONS WHY. BEN WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU IN YOUR HEARTS AND MAY HIS MEMORY BRING HAPPINESS. WE LOVE YOU GALE AND DAVE AND ARE HERE FOR YOU WHEN YOU NEED US.

My heartfelt sympathies at the loss of your heroic son. We have not met, but I will remember him. We share a name-- Laymon.

Rest in peace at your last post in paradise.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Your Hero will never be forgotten. God Bless your family and God Bless Sgt. Benjamin Laymon.



Jami Edgecomb

Mother of Cpl. Nyle Yates III, KIA 03/16/06

Please accept our heartfelt sympathy for your loss. We will be always grateful for Benjamin, for the sacrifice that he made. God bless you and your family with comfort and peace.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. PLEASE ACCEPT MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES FOR YOUR GREAT LOSS. KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. STAY STRONG AND GODSPEED. SEMPER FI



A PROUD MARINE MOM

Thank you for your service to our great country. To the family, thank you for such a great solider that gave his life for our freedom. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers through these hard times. God bless.

thanks Benjamin, you will not be forgotten.