William J. Layman

ElidaWilliam J. Layman, 90, died at 9 p.m. May 15, 2012, at his residence.He was born Oct. 10, 1921, in Rocky Mount, Va., to Dee Morton and Lydia S. Peters Layman, who preceded him in death. On April 16, 1942, he married Mildred I. Thurman, who died July 20, 2009. There were married for 67 years.Mr. Layman retired from Rawl’s Tire & Recapping after 33 years and had worked at Wright’s Distributions for 15 years. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He never met a stranger.Survivors include four sons, Lonnie L. (Cecilia) Layman, of Elida, Edward W. (Linda) Layman, of Union City, Jeffrey H. (Catherine) Layman, of Traverse City, Mich., and Anthony W. (Carol) Layman, of Elida; three daughters, Bonnie J. (Wilbur) Bowman, of Elida, Suzie (Ronald) Carder, of Oakwood, and Rebecca J. (Dillon) Staas, of Lebanon; a brother Dee Morton (Ethleen) Layman Jr., of Wirtz, Va.; a sister, Marie Filbrun, Pendleton, Ind.; a brother-in-law, Francis Lair, Nebraska; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Layman, of Wirtz, Va.; and 27 grandchildren, 62 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.He was preceded in death by two brothers, Paul H. and Ezra Layman; three sisters, Orpha Austin, Reva Rumble and Glenna Lair; two grandsons, Andrew and Greg Layman; a great-grandson, Andrew William Carder; and a great-great-grandson, Jacob Wesley Bowman.Services will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at Ash Grove Old German Baptist Church, 2690 Beery Road, Elida. The Home Brethren will officiate. Burial will be in Ash Grove Cemetery, Lima.Friends may call from 2 to 5 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the church.Memorial contributions may be made to American Township Fire & Rescue, 105 W. Main St., Elida, OH 45807.Condolences may be expressed at chiles-lamanfh.com.Arrangements are by Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services.