Steven Layton

1952 - 2011

Steven E. Layton

Ankeny

Steven E. Layton, 59, of Ankeny, finished his journey on earth and reported for duty at the pearly gates on Wednesday, April 27, 2011. A memorial service to celebrate Steve's life will be held Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 10 a.m. at the Freedom Center, 7105 NW 70th Avenue, on Camp Dodge, in Johnston, with burial to follow at Moeckly Cemetery located 100 yards north of NW 118th Avenue, on the east side of NW 44th Street; east of Polk City. Family members will greet people at 9 a.m. at the Freedom Center prior to the memorial service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Knight Templar Eye Foundation in care of the Des Moines York Rite, 519 Park St., Des Moines, Iowa 50309. Arrangements are with Hamilton's Funeral Home.

Family left to cherish Steve's memories include his wife, Stacy, his son Ted and wife Emily of Leon, stepson Kyle and wife Melanie Trusty of Bondurant, stepson Sam Trusty and friend Christina Conway of Ankeny, grandchildren Maggie and Dean Layton of Leon, Jacob and Mackenzie Trusty of Bondurant, Gage Trusty of Ankeny; his father and mother, Cliff and Nadine Layton, his sister and brother-in-law, Denise and Steve Bogle, his brother and sister-in-law, Doug and Marla Layton, and many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins. Steve's family meant the world to him, especially his grandchildren.

Steve was a free spirit who was full of life and was happiest when he was being of service to others. Steve fulfilled his desire to serve early in life as a Des Moines Police Officer and as the Sheriff of Decatur County. Later he was a dairy farmer in Decatur County and although he no longer lived in the area he continued to help out many of his family and friends in that community. Steve was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Operative Lodge 308, in Polk City, where he was currently serving as the Worshipful Master of the Lodge, and was also a member of the Scottish Rite and York Rite.

After war broke out in Bosnia, Steve volunteered to be a member of the first missionary group that was allowed into the country. Steve used his many handyman skills to initiate the rebuilding of schools and other needed infrastructure in Bosnia. Upon his return to the U.S., Steve continued his service to the Bosnian people through involvement with the settling of immigrants who came to central Iowa to start anew. Steve developed many close friendships through his efforts with the Bosnian people who now call Iowa home.

Steve had many hobbies throughout his life to include sail boating, motorcycle riding, hunting, fishing, craftsman, and being a "Mr. Fix-It" for anyone who needed something repaired. Through these hobbies he developed many enduring friendships and found more opportunities to satisfy his desire to serve others. Steve was employed as a school bus driver for the Ankeny School District, but he never really considered it work as it provided him an opportunity to interact with young people and mentor them to follow a path to be proud and productive citizens of their community. Steve was also a coach for the Ankeny High School trap shooting team and spent numerous hours teaching young people how to safely and responsibly handle firearms. Steve loved to hunt and fish and for many years his constant companion was his Labrador, Sherman and when Sherman went on ahead to scout the fields in Heaven, Steve took his Labrador, Amanda, and his German Shorthair, Daisy. Steve worked them every day in the field, and during hunting season they helped provide many culinary delights for family and friends.

Steve was a member or affiliated with many organizations to include the Patriot Guard Riders, ABATE, Isaac Walton League, Pheasants Forever, and for many years he served as a motorcycle safety instructor at Des Moines Area Community College.

Over the past 10 years Steve was best known for his playing of the bagpipes, either with the Mackenzie Highlanders, with his piping buddies, and sometimes as a soloist. Steve spent countless hours and drove thousands of miles to play at celebrations, ceremonies, and funerals, to honor members and Veterans of the United States Armed Forces, Law Enforcement Officers, Firefighters, and others who Steve believed needed to be honored for their service. Many times over the past 10 years on September 11th, Steve would take the day off from all of his other activities to put on his uniform that honored his Scottish heritage, and take his bagpipes and play on the steps of the local police and fire departments, to honor those members of the public safety profession who lost their lives on 9/11 and to honor those who continue to serve in professions that continue to protect our communities.

Steve stated during an interview that if the bagpipes are played at a person's funeral they didn't really die because every time someone heard the bagpipes after that the person's memory lived on. Now Steve's memory will live on forever in the hearts of his family and friends every time we hear the beautiful melodies of the bagpipes.

"Guid cheerio the nou and see ye efter!" (Goodbye for now and see you later!)