Guy Layton

Guy Vernon Layton, 92, passed away on December 25, 2020. Please join the family for visitation on Monday, December 28, from 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm at Memorial Oaks Chapel, Brenham, TX. Funeral services will be held at Frieden’s United Church of Christ, Washington, TX on Tuesday December 29 at 10:00 am, with burial following in the church cemetery.

Guy was born on July 11, 1928 in Chireno, TX to Guy Sr. and Alma (Palmer) Layton. He enjoyed life growing up in this small east Texas town with his three brothers and seven sisters. He was an industrious person and a hard worker even as a child. He spent many a day fishing, squirrel hunting, or frog gigging to supplement the family meals. He worked the fields as a plow boy until the age of 16, when he hitched hiked over 100 miles to the city of Orange, TX to attend the naval welding school. There he mastered welding and worked on WWII ships. He worked long enough to save up money for a bus ticket to return home to Chireno. Upon returning, he was a pulp wood truck driver for the next year.

At the age of 18, Guy joined the merchant marines and spent time aboard the Monger T Ball. A few years later, with the Korean War becoming a serious conflict, Guy and his brother (Clifford) enlisted in the US Army. Their paths crossed twice during their Korean War service. As one of his many army duties during his service, he received an outstanding service performance recommendation for his capacity as Non-Commissioned Officer in charge of Military Police detachment, which was charged with the mission of guarding United Nations Command Delegates and supporting personnel, at Munsan-Ni, Korea, during the Military Armistice Negotiations. At 24, Guy finished his Army service and returned to his work as a merchant marine. He briefly worked as a Metro bus driver in downtown Houston.

In 1954, while living in Houston, Guy had the good fortune to give his sister-in-law and her friend a ride home from work. This friend would become his future wife, Virginia Mohr. Guy and Virginia married the next year, and Guy spent 65 years of their marriage joking that he stopped at a stop sign in downtown Houston, Virginia jumped in the car, and he couldn’t get her out. Their marriage was blessed with three daughters and a son. Guy’s first priority in life was his family, and he enjoyed spending time with them.

Always looking for new opportunities, he found his niche in 1962 when he moved his family to Port Neches and joined TexUS Chemical Plant as an instrument repair man. The company changed names over the years, but Guy remained a faithful employee until his retirement in 1990. He also served as the secretary – treasurer for the IBEW, local #390 and served on the board for company and community credit unions.

In 1990 when Guy and Virginia retired from their full-time jobs, they decided to return to Guy’s hometown of Chireno. Guy enjoyed his time participating in the local chapters of the American Legion, VFW, the Shriners, and the Masonic Lodge. Guy made some impressive contributions to the VFW – he was one of only 47 district commanders worldwide selected for All American Status. The criteria for this honor is based on outstanding achievements in membership growth, Buddy Poppy sales and participation in other VFW programs that benefit veterans and their communities. The title of All American Status is the most prestigious honor given by the VFW. District 19, under his command, was recognized as the most outstanding district in the department of Texas. He held the District Commander position for one term and he was also the Post commander of the Nacogdoches VFW for several terms. He also served as Texas State Inspector for two years. Guy was very patriotic and was proud of his military service. Guy’s civic duty continued as he also had a successful term as Mayor of Chireno in the mid 90’s.

In 2008, Guy and Virginia decided to move to her hometown of Washington, TX. Guy was still very active in community service and relocated his memberships to the Brenham VFW Post and American Legion chapters. In his spare time, Guy enjoyed gardening, working on his land, and spending time with family.

Guy is survived by his wife, Virginia; their children Donna Boyd (Norman), Sharon Cotten, Gary Layton, and Gayle Layton; grandchildren, Jennifer Boyd, Stephanie Boyd, Katelynn Cotten, and Jason Cotten; his siblings Clifford (Nina), Johnny (Doris), Annie Laura Blankenship, Nelda Dyes (Francis), and Nina Faye Huggins (Don); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family.

Guy is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Lamar, sisters Dorothy Hardy, LaVerne Sanders, Alma Mae Stewart, Lillian Ivy, and infant sister Janie Sue.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Shriners Hospital. Guy was a longtime member of the Shriners, and whenever there was a parade, he would fold his tall body into a tiny clown car to ride along and provide entertainment He loved the Shriners and believed in their mission. To donate, visit https://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/shc/donate.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main Street, Brenham, Tx 77833.