Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Joseph Laythe Obituary
Professor at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Dr. Joseph Willard Laythe, Ph.D., 50, of Edinboro, died on March 12, 2016. He was born on October 3, 1965, in Spokane, Washington, to Helen (Neimann) and Charles Laythe.
After attending high school in Boise, Idaho, he enrolled at Carroll College in Montana where he graduated with a B.A. in History. He went on to receive his M.A. from Portland State University and his Ph.D. from the University of Oregon. He was, as a result, a devoted Fighting Duck!
In 1989, he married his college sweetheart, Christine Keyes. Together they had two incredible daughters, Lydia and Isabella.
Dr. Laythe's professional career was almost exclusively at Edinboro University where he taught as a member of the Department of History, Anthropology, and World Languages. He was EUP's Educator of the Year (2004) and Scholar of the Year (2012). He published numerous articles, three books on crime history, and a local-award winning documentary. He also wrote several works of fiction including Underearth, Kristallnacht and Haunting the Past.
His greatest accomplishment, however, was his inspiration to students to explore the world and make it a better place. He was the NWPA NASW Public Citizen of the Year (2005), an Associate of Sisters of St. Joseph, and a Chicago Bear fan.
He was preceded in death by both parents; and an older brother, David A. Laythe.
Survivors include his wife of 26 years, Chris (Keyes) Laythe; and daughters, Lydia Laythe of Portland, Ore. and Isabella Laythe of Seattle, Wash. Also surviving are sister, Jeri Laythe (and Ken Chaitin) of Portland, Ore.; brother, Tom Laythe (and Nadine Ford) of Sacramento, Calif., and dozens of in-laws and nephews and nieces.
His love of life, his humor, and his love for family was unparalleled. He loved laughing and making others see the folly and fun in life, and will be missed. Long before his death, he said he wanted his epitaph to read "Hell is a little cooler now." But Heaven awaits.
Friends may call at the Glunt Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 210 Erie Street, Edinboro, on Saturday, March 19, 2016, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A service will be held at Edinboro University's Louis C. Cole Auditorium, Meadville St., Edinboro, on Sunday at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Dr. Joseph Laythe Magical Mystery Scholarship of the Tartan Femur at Edinboro University of PA, 219 Meadville St., Edinboro, PA 16444. To send condolences, please visit www.gluntfuneralhome.com.
Sign the Guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Laythe
David Holliman
March 11, 2022
I didn't know you that well, Joey, but I wish I had. I know you'd have made me a much better person in so many ways.
August 9, 2020
My absolute favorite teacher from 2012 Mr. Laythe. Died years, decades before his time. But it was a great year learning from him and seeing him around campus. He knew everyone. RIP
Diane Gould
February 22, 2017
Dear Laythe family,
I just stumbled across the fact that Joey died last year. I knew him from his time at PSU where he completed his MA degree. I was the secretary in the History Department there for several years. He was a wonderful person and was always so comfortable in his own skin. He returned when Barney Burke, longtime chair of the History Dept retired and we had a dinner for him. He was so happy and thankful for his wonderful family. I was lucky to have known him.
Diane Gould, Portland, Oregon
Sarah Beth Adams
February 11, 2017
Dear Laythe family - I just now googled Dr. Laythe, as I had seen him 2 years ago in the store with his lovely wife, and was curious how he was making out. I said that day I would be praying for him and he winked and said "thank you, Sarah Alexander. Though I know you're married now. What's your last name? I won't forget it." Dr. Laythe's memory of thousands of student names (because we were important to him) and striking teaching style will never be forgotten and I give my most sincere condolences to you ladies. All my love, Sarah Beth (Alexander) Adams
Adam Cilli
September 28, 2016
I only recently learned of Dr. Laythe's passing and am grieved that the Edinboro community has lost such a devoted scholar and teacher. I took a research seminar with him sometime around 2008, and what I remember was his patience, kindness, and passion. Wanting to provide for us a model for collecting and organizing historical information, one day during class he left the room and, in a fit of enthusiasm, came back with a box filled with hundreds of his research index cards--each carefully labeled and annotated. My deepest condolences to Dr. Laythe's family.
Jonathan
April 8, 2016
One of the best men I ever met... a remarkable teacher who taught me many of the lessons which I carry in my own classroom. A great mentor who gave me the confidence needed to stand up against injustice, anywhere I saw it. A wonderful friend, who made me feel like I was the most important person in the world. I'm glad I spoke with him days before his passing... in which he tried making ME feel better instead of worrying about himself. That was Dr. Laythe, though. A great, great man.
March 24, 2016
Dear Chris, I remember you from GPrep. I knew Joe from Carroll. He had shaggy blond hair and a very charismatic personality! Everyone wanted to be his friend because of his good heart. I will be thinking of you and your family.
Very respectfully,
Richard Caldwell
Sr. Margaret Frank
March 20, 2016
Dear Chris, Lydia and Izzy,
My heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your dear husband and dad. Joe was just a wonderful person. He was such a gift to so many of us who knew him for these short years he was with us. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. A mass will be offered to Joe for your entire family. I know that he is at peace with God.
My love and prayers,
Sr. Margaret
David Weis
March 19, 2016
Mrs. Laythe your husband was one of a kind and he was not only my professor but my friend. I had the opportunity to meet you once at an event on the bay shore where kids could see large construction equipment and climb on the sand dunes. I was there with my family,my son and daughter were the same age as your two daughters, and we ran into each other and spoke for a moment. That was back in "98-99" so I doubt you remember. I had met your daughter's many times at the University. I graduated in 2000 and at the time when we met he was a year younger than me. When I decided to work on my master's he hired me to work in an office that had just opened to coordinate staff events. I just found out about Dr. Laythe's passing and feel terrible I couldn't have been there in person. I apologize for carrying on but I just found out and I'm a bit lost. I will never forget his smile and his gift to teach and amaze his students with his ability to remember their names the first day of class.I could go on forever with stories but I will just leave this by saying my prayers are with you and the world is truly going to be a much lesser place without his presence!
Marge Burchard
March 19, 2016
I am thinking of you, Lydia and Izzy, during this difficult time. Embrace the wonderful memories of your dad who surely was proud of both of you.
March 19, 2016
We will miss you very much. You were taken too soon.
Alice E Conway RN,Phd Nursing Dept.
Tina Thompson
March 18, 2016
God speed Joey Laythe. Such an extraordinary man!
Peri Pusey
March 18, 2016
He was and always will be a treasure! Love and thoughts to the family from his Boise family!!!
Dave Holliman
March 18, 2016
Thinking of you a lot, Joey. Wish I had the privilege of getting to know you a bit more. We lost a good man.....
Kris Copeland
March 18, 2016
My deepest sympathies.
Dana Rae Barr
March 18, 2016
Praying for the family and friends of Joey! He was a joy to be around at Carroll College and I am glad he shared so much of himself on Facebook. He will be missed but he is in Heaven telling funny stories to all who will listen!!
Mike Sanor
March 18, 2016
Rest in peace Joey
Misty Huck
March 18, 2016
My heart breaks for his wife, his daughters, and for his family. He was am amazing man who inspired so many people. I am forever grateful that I was able to have taken his classes to experience someone with a true passion for teaching. His charismatic personality, witty comments, and positivity will be something I will forever carry with me. My condolences go out to his loved ones, friends, and the many other people whose lives he touched. Prayers for peace and comfort during this very difficult time.
Beth Lender Lewis
March 17, 2016
Christine and family, so sorry for your loss.
BJ
March 17, 2016
Dr. Laythe your spirit and tenacity shined through everyday. I thank you for the dedication you showed. I was so thankful for being a part of your classes. Your name is one I'll never forget. Rest in peace.
Class of 2008
Vicky Merski
March 17, 2016
Lydia and Family-
My heart and my prayers are with you all.
Nathan Fralick
March 17, 2016
Condolences to family of Dr. Laythe, professor, mentor, and friend. It's been an honor and great privilege to study under his phenomenal teachings.
Christine Gerlock
March 17, 2016
Dr. Laythe was a great man with a wonderful sense of humor who made the world a better place. We are lucky to have known him.
Allison Family
March 17, 2016
Dear Christine, Lydia and Izzy,
We are so very sorry to read about Joseph's passing. I only met him a few times but we do know what type of man he was by his reflection in our beautiful Izzy. We will remember him in our daily prayers and we know he is enjoying eternal life with God.
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
Make a Donation
in Joseph Laythe's name
Memorial Events
for Joseph Laythe
How to support Joseph's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Joseph Laythe's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
