Ralph Eugene "Gene" Layman

Ralph Eugene "Gene" Layman, Sr., 87, of Aurora, Ill, passed away Monday, June 18, 2012, in Woodland Park, Colo., with family by his side. Ralph was born Jan. 5, 1925 in Caraway, Ark., the son of Alfred and Goldie (Harlan) Layman. He was united in marriage May 22, 1943, to his high school sweetheart, Elfrieda Endicott, and they remained married until her death in 2005.

He was a long-time machinist for Thor Power Tool and Aero Gear. Ralph was a member of the Ozarks 102nd Infantry Division Signal Corps and took pride in being a part of the Red Ball Express. He was a member of VFW Post 7452 in Montgomery and The American Legion Post 0084 in Aurora. He was a devoted Chicago Cubs fan and enjoyed watching old Westerns on television. He loved the weekly visits from his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ralph is survived by his children, Shirley Bailey, Oswego, Ill.; Ralph Layman Jr., Yorkville, Ill.; Ramona (Michael) Schindelheim, New York, N.Y.; Laurie (Bob) Bartlett, Montgomery, Ill.; Rick (Chris) Layman, Woodland Park, Colo.; Carolyn (David) Leavy, Mendota, Ill.; 12 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

There will be a memorial service and a military burial at 10 a.m. Monday, June 25, in River Hills Memorial Park, 1650 S. River St., Batavia, Ill., with Pastor Dennis Cocks officiating. Arrangements are by Healy Chapel; www.healychapel.com; (630) 897-9291.