TSgt Earl Layton, United States Air Force, Ret.

Earl Layton was born January 8, 1932 in Bonner Springs, Kansas and passed away on March 29, 2012 in Temple, Texas at the age of 80.

Earl proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, retiring in 1969.  He then owned and operated several full service garages, and later became an insurance salesman.  He was a resident of Killeen, Texas for over 30 years.  He enjoyed watching old movies, traveling and sharing his memories with others.

An interment service was held on April 3 at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen.  As the family arrived for the service, they were welcomed by fifty American flags, blowing in the southerly Texas wind, and the Patriot Guard Riders.

After the Air Force Honor Guard moved the flag draped casket from the hearse to the committal shelter, the Riders formed a line of American flags along the front of the shelter.

The Honor Guard carefully folded the flag that draped the casket into a tight triangle and passed it to a senior Non-Commissioned Officer.  The Air Force bugler played taps, followed by the firing of three volleys of fire by the detail of three rifles.

The folded flag was then presented to Earl's dear wife, Ruth, on behalf of the President of the United States, the Department of the Air Force, and a grateful nation for the faithful and dedicated service of Earl to his country.

A clergyman then read from the scripture and led the gathering in the final prayers.

TSgt Earl Layton was laid to rest on the sloping hillside, as the American flag flew at half-staff in his honor at the top of the hill.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, a brother, three children, five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and a host of other dear family and friends.

 

Miss me, But Let Me Go

When I come to the end of the road

And the sun has set for me

I want no rites in a gloom-filled room,

Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little but not too long,

And not with your head bowed low,

Remember the love that we once shared.

Miss me...but let me go.

For this is a journey that we all must take,

And each must go alone.

It's all a part of the master plan

A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart,

Go to the friends we know,

And bury your sorrow in doing good deeds,

Miss me...but let me go.

anonymous

With thanks to Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home for biographical information and photo.