Herbert V. Layfield

Herbert V. Layfield, 1925-2025

ALLENTOWN - Herbie, at 99 1/2 years old, reached his Ultimate Eternal Hall of Fame (Heaven), passing away peacefully Friday, April 18, 2025, at his daughter Wanda and son-in-law Dan's, with his loving Dog, Rexi Rue, by his side and into his forever home in the arms of Jesus.

Hervert Vincent Layfield was born in Akron, Ohio on Nov. 15, 1925, the fifth son of Alpha Daniel and Dorothy Fosmer Layfield. He joins his brothers in heaven, Gerald, Dean, Conrad, Bob, Ray, Rex and Bill; and his sister, Dawn; while surviving is his sister, Audrey.

On Dec. 23, 1950, he married the love of his life, ImoJean Clark, with whom he shared almost 71 years of marriage until her passing on Sept. 14, 2021.

Herb retired from Air Preheater in Wellsville, and was a member and past fire chief at Allentown Fire Dept. Herb attended Epic Church in Olean and Allentown Church.

Herb was well known around the area as a driver of race car 48, the number coming from the year he owned his first race car. Herb is in six racing halls of fame: Woodhull Raceway, McKean County Raceway, Bradford Speedway, FOAR SCORE International, NYSSCA and NASCAR Museum in Charlotte, N.C., and is now in his seventh Forever Hall of Fame.

Herb also enjoyed go-kart racing, hunting, sporting events and dancing.

Left to cherish his memories are his four daughters, Micki (Jack) Ellis, Wanda (Dan) Pease, Cheryl (Bill Green) Reed and Lisa (Charlie Walc) Poore. Herb and his wife were foster parents to many, including a special foster son, Bill Giles, who was a part of the family up until his passing in October, 2020. He was also survived by grandchildren, GT (Bernie) Hall, Greg (Jen) Hall, AnnJeanette (Ray) Putman, Danielle (Jill) Morris-Pierce, Kyle (Lauren) Morris, Kimberly (Jay) Tuyay, Pam (Gair) Terrette, Miranda (Mike) Mesler, Christina (Rick) Marther, Waltrip Reed, Tawny (Kevin) Denner and Braedyn (Julia) Poore; great-grandchildren, Camryn Hall, Cassidy Hall, Cadence Hall, Caleb Hall, Israella Armour, Brockton Putman, Aiden Kinney, Paxton Morris-Pierce, Maximus Morris, Lucas Morris, AJ Cruz, Dakota Tuyay Caden Tuyay, Logan Capito, Mira Terrette, Christopher (Serina) Carpenter, Troy Price, Adrianna (Garret Cole) Mesler, Asher Mesler and Rebecca Green; a great-grandchild, Emberlyn Mesler; and a new great-great-grandchild Maverick Carpenter due in July; along with several nieces and nephews.

Herb was predeceased by his wife, ImoJea;, son-in-law, Mike Reed; grandson-in-law, Rick Marther; and great-grandsons, Dawson Mesler and Nathan Terrette.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Allegany Memorial Speedway, Route 417, Allentown, with his nephew Glen Layfield, minister, presiding. Herb's Celebration of Life Fellowship will continue after the memorial from 2 to 5 p.m. Dress casual. Black and white if you like, "Herb's favorite colors."

Herb contributed his body to the University of Buffalo for the teaching and research efforts of the medical school in hopes of helping others.

If desired, memorial donations in Herb's name may be made to Allegany Memorial Speedway in Allentown for a memorial race in his name.