William A. "Bill" Layman

William A. “Bill” Layman of Sunnyland, age 86, left his earthly home to be with his Heavenly Father on Monday May 9, 2016 at his home with his family by his side. He was born March 2, 1930 in rural Birch Tree, MO to Albert and Mattie May Layman. He is survived by his wife, LaVonne (Roper) whom he married June 29, 1952 in Peace Valley, MO. Also surviving are two sons and their wives, Rick (Margie) Layman of Marquette Heights, and Randy (Linda) Layman of Port St. Joe, FL; 5 Grandchildren, James Layman, Jessica (Chris) Farris, Amanda Stowers, Kaylea (Trey) Windes and Mariah Layman; 3 Great-Grandchildren, Jaylen Hentz, Christopher Farris, Bentley Dees and Baby Cade Windes due in August. He is survived by his 98 year old brother, Climeth Layman of West Plains, MO and a sister-in- law, Lillian Layman of Mountain View, MO. Also surviving are four nephews and five nieces. One very special niece, Dwilla Ollar of Fulton was like a sister to Bill. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Lascoe, John and Shelley and his sisters Juanita and Dorothy and nephew Leon Layman. Bill was a member of Roland Manor Baptist Church in Sunnyland since September 1953. He was very active in his church serving anywhere there was a need from driving the bus to being a deacon. He was a former trustee in the Northern Tazewell Fire/Rescue Department in Sunnyland. Bill never met a stranger and made friends wherever he was whether next door neighbors, extended church family or camping with friends in Branson, MO. Bill served on the front lines during the Korean War as an amphibious tank driver with the 56th Division during the evacuation of Hungnum in 1950 where he received the bronze star with valor. Bill retired from 35 years at Caterpillar in the Skilled Trades Department. Then he drove the bus for Riverview Retirement Center in East Peoria for 14 years where he had many special friends. Funeral services will be Tuesday May 17, at 11 AM at Roland Manor Baptist Church with a short visitation one hour prior. Rev. Steve Hardin will officiate. The visitation will be Monday May 16, from 5-7 PM at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington. A meal will follow the service at the Church and all attending the funeral are invited. Cremation rights will be accorded following the service. Burial will be at Hillcrest Memory Gardens in Morton at a later date. The family wishes to express their appreciation to all friends for their prayers and helpfulness to the family during Bill's illness, especially his caregivers and family who have been so supportive. In lieu of flowers, please make your memorials to Roland Manor Baptist Church, 2433 Washington Road, Washington, IL 61571.

William A. "Bill" Layman

March 2, 1930 - May 9, 2016