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Ray Layton Obituary
PEORIA - Ray Layton, 71, of Peoria died at 5:28 p.m. Tuesday, July 13, 2010, at his home.
He was born Nov. 24, 1938, in Straven, Ala., to Ed and Annie (Lovell) Layton. He married Nancy Kinder in 1963 in Peoria. He later married Marla Camp on Oct. 28, 1971, in Lewistown, Ill. She survives.
Also surviving are his children, Kevin Layton of Texas, Lynn Rebholz of Peoria, Debbie (Jay Spann) Moritz of Marquette Heights, Wayne (Vicki) Simmons of North Pekin, Warren (Lori Goeltz) Simmons of Texas, Kirk (Barbara) Yates of Marquette Heights, Mike (Rae Lynn) Yates of Peoria, David (Marie) Yates of South Carolina and Danny Yates of California; 24 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Helen (James) Zeilmann of Missouri.
He was preceded in death by one son, Terry Layton, two brothers and one sister.
Ray was the owner and operator of Layton Construction in Peoria from 1972-2000.
He was a member of Giant Goose Ranch in Canton.
Ray had the gift of storytelling and obliged eagerly, especially when it came to fishing stories. Surrounded by his large and extended family, it was always the little kids and dogs that were at his feet. Ray was a bigger than life character who will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. For those who knew him best, he graduated on July 13th!
A private gathering will be held among his family and friends. Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in East Peoria is assisting the family with cremation, which has been accorded.
Memorials may be directed to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Ray's memorial website is available at DeitersFuneralHome.com, where remembrances may be shared with the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ray Layton
Mindy Schindler (Harvey)
July 18, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I remember when we were neighbors and your house was where I would go when I ran away from home (for two hours) Ray even ate the food that Lynn and I cooked one evening, except for the gravy. That took guts! I'm very thankful for the time I shared with your family.
Stefanie Davis
July 17, 2010
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Peggy L. Hamilton
July 16, 2010
To two beautiful people who helped me so much in life. So many stories I remember. PawPaw was the best Domino player I ever seen. Loved to play Domino's with him. Even though I lost. Little Mary is probably grown now but I remember how gently he would hold you and rub his finger over your forehead to nose and put you to sleep. He had a gentle touch and nature about him. I remember when my son Andrew was 4 years old I believe and PawPaw made him reel in his own fish in.Steven and Ray didn't realize how big it was. It was a big fish for a little guy but he was so proud. I remember the squirrel he friend PawPaw had that use to come in the house and visit him every morning. I remember what a great fisherman he was and also a carpenter. He could work wonders with a piece of wood. I will always remember that he always had kindness and knowledge to share with me. Nanny and PawPaw have taught me so much. I learn how to put on a meal, (full course) in 20 minutes. I learned how to have a garden. Ray had a beautiful garden. He used the old Indian method of burying the fish parts to help it grow and it did. I watch him and my husband catch a cooler full of bluegill in the time it took me to dress 2 little girls to walk threw the woods. Others were reeling in there poles because they weren't catching anything and they were amazed too. I remember the time he put a lawn chair in a boat. Big mistake. God love him. I remember how beautiful he remodel a home after it burnt. I had been in it years earlier as a child. I remember how comforting Nanny and PawPaw were. How much I respect them and always will. God bless you Jean. I know you have lost a part of yourself. Love you both. Peg.
Joyce
July 16, 2010
Marla, I am deeply sorry for your loss. You know I have loved Ray always. If there is anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate. You are and always will be in my prayers. I love you .
Candy Patton
July 16, 2010
You are in our prayers marla and family!!!! From candy, jack & family.
July 16, 2010
Marla & Family - I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts & prayers are with you.
Love, Markey Keefauver(Hawkins)
Mrs James G. Karl and Family
July 16, 2010
Dear Marla and Family - Our prayers are with you as you face this difficult time. A contribution to MDA will be made and a Mass will be said by the Community of St. John for Ray - God Bless
BeaKay
July 16, 2010
Marla:
So sorry to read about Ray,He no longer is in pain .I know when I saw him he was suffering,so god has taken him to a much needed rest and no more pain. Beakay Hopping
July 16, 2010
My heart and prayers go out to the family. Ray was for sure a special man not only in my life but of my family. He is with the Lord and I am sure Ray has a bunch to tell him. He was and will always be the best darn "Papa" to my boys!!! I remember him always taking off their socks when they were babies and saying ... let those piggies breath .. I will miss him!!
Karen Norman Rees
July 16, 2010
I was sorry to see of Ray's passing. Let me know if you need anything. Peace, Chaplain Karen
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