Robert E. Laya

Robert Edward Laya, age 91, passed away on June 11, 2025, in Alexandria, LA, while traveling to South Carolina. He was born on Dec. 8, 1933, to John and Mary Laya on the south side of Chicago, IL.
Bob graduated from Kelly High School in 1952 and went on to play football for Texas Western College in El Paso (now UTEP) where he was a star linebacker and was honored to play in the Sun Bowl. He was an ROTC Cadet and was commissioned as a 2LT in the US Army in 1956. His gridiron talent was quickly recognized by the military, and he was asked to continue his ball playing career in Japan as his first assignment. Together with his wife Sally (Fjerstad), they flew across the globe to start their life together.
After this tour, Robert would earn the opportunity to attend flight school to pursue a childhood dream of a career in aviation. He flew the UH-1 helicopters; Otters; H-13; and OV-1 "Bird Dog" to name a few. He served two combat tours in The Republic of Vietnam and was in Saigon during the TET offensive. He flew many combat and VIP support missions and was awarded the Bronze Star and Air Medals (7 oak leaf clusters) and attained the qualification of Master Aviator. During this time, Bob and Sally were blessed with three beautiful children, Russell, Karen, and Diane. The Laya clan, by virtue of Robert's station requirements, traveled to many parts of the world together as a family – to include two tours in Germany.
Reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, Robert retired after 20 years of service in Lawton, Oklahoma. His next journey took him into the financial planning arena when he joined United Services Planning Association. This career path eventually brought him to Corpus Christi where he had the good fortune to work with Naval Aviators, whom he loved working with, and loved to serve. He would work in this field for 20 years, while enjoying traveling extensively and making lifelong friends.
After the passing of Sally, Robert would eventually meet his future love, Bonnie Lisowski. Their children being grown, the two of them blossomed together. He spent the last years of his life with Bonnie as his blessed companion, friend, and confident. The two shared their mutual love for traveling and did so extensively, just as they were on his last day.
Bob's interests, outside of traveling, include painting, his membership with the Quiet Birdmen Association (55 years, including several years as President of the Corpus Christi hangar), the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association, Fantasy Football, cheering on the Bears, the White Sox, and always enjoying a few reflective moments with peanuts and wine. He loved spending time with his family and friends. He will always be remembered for having an open door, his gentle nature, an infectious smile, and his wisdom born of a life well lived. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Laya, his brother Larry Laya, and his late wife Sally. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Bonnie; brother Allen Laya; sister-in-law Marilyn Laya; son Russ Laya; daughters Karen (Wayne) Carden; Diane Laya (Marc Schwartz); Joe (Jeanne) Lisowski; Paul Lisowski; grandchildren Skylar (Colton) Howard; Kristin (Ryan) Moret; Dawn, James, Joey, Colt, Addie, JZ, Jake, Brennan, and numerous nieces and nephews, and five precious great-granddaughters.
A Celebration of Bob's life will be held June 27, 2025, at Seaside Reid Chapel with a Memorial Gathering at 10:00 a.m., followed by Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m.. Inurnment to follow at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery at 1:00 p.m., with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice in Bob's memory. The family invites all attending the Celebration of Life to wear bright summer attire. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert, please visit our floral store.