Ronald E. Layton

Ronald E. Layton, 82, a lifelong resident of Hallettsville, passed away Sunday, February 1, 2026, surrounded by his family. Ronald was born February 11, 1943, in Hallettsville, Texas to the late Henry F. and Lola V. (Smith) Layton.

Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, February 4, 2026, with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 PM, at Kubena Funeral Home, 507 South Main Street, Hallettsville, Texas 77964. Mass will be 10:00 AM, Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 400 E. 5th Street, Hallettsville, Texas with Father Michael Rother officiating. Burial will follow at Salem Cemetery in Ezzell, Texas.

Pallbearers will be Ray Adams, Robert Satterfield, Chris Buehring, Baron Hanzell, Sean Curbow, and Ryan Layton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, Dorothy Nell Layton, his son, Ronald Christopher "Chris" Layton, and his brother, Von Layton.

Ronald is survived by his sons, Jeff Layton and Tim Layton; his daughter, Rhonda Layton, and husband, Ray; Daughter-In-Law, Priscilla Layton; his sister, Helen Appelt, all of Hallettsville; six grandchildren, Ryan Layton, Dallas (Katie) Layton, Mallorie (Tim) Layton Warren, Logan (Sandra) Rath, Chance (Morgan) Rath, and Ashley (Travis) Hunt; eleven great grandchildren, Weston Hunt, Lindsey Hunt, Carson Warren, Caroline Warren, Catherine Warren, Carter Warren, Leo Warren, Hynslee Layton, Jade Layton, Kehlani Layton and Amelia Watson; numerous other family members and friends.

Ronald married the love of his life, Dorothy Nell, on June 9, 1962, in Hallettsville and they enjoyed 45 years together. He was a rancher, which was the common thread throughout his life, and for many years he ran South Texas Rodeo Productions. He attended Texas A&I for several years. He owned Layton True Value Hardware Store in Lamesa for many years and later served as a District Manager for Ace Hardware. He also served as Chamber Director in Hallettsville for many years.

On Sunday Ronald's family said goodbye to their Papa - a man who could light up a room with his laughter and charm. There was little he loved more than people, his family, and life itself. His kids and grandkids meant the world to him, and he made sure they all knew it every single day. He was a wonderful storyteller, a die-hard Sacred Heart football fan, loved Rodeos and Ranger baseball, and had a special love for country music. They take great comfort in the hope that he is now reunited with his son and the love of his life, Dorothy Nell, surrounded by family and love.

The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Fariborz Gorouhi and the nurses and staff of Citizens Medical Center and Dr. Tyson Meyer and the nurses and staff of Hospice of South Texas for the special care they provided to Ronald and his family.

If desired, memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 400 E. 5th St., Hallettsville, Texas 77964.

Thoughts and fond memories may be shared online at www.gracefuneralhome.net

Arrangements and services under the personal care of Grace Funeral Home, 2401 Houston Hwy, Victoria, Texas 77901, 361-573-4341.