"A Life Well Lived"

Gerald "Jerry" Ray Layton

November 30, 1954 – December 20, 2024

Gerald "Jerry" Ray Layton passed away on December 20, 2024, at the age of 70. Born on November 30, 1954, in Dodge City, Kansas to Gerald F. Layton and Evelyn Wilson. Jerry graduated from Central High School, Class of 1972.

A pillar of the Humansville and Springfield communities, his wisdom, curiosity, and infectious laughter left an unforgettable impression on everyone he met. A lover of Westerns and a true "jack of all trades," Jerry was a man of immense knowledge and a storyteller at heart. He had an uncanny ability to recall many life's moments in vivid detail and could spend hours engaged in conversations about politics, history, and the world.

Jerry was a fighter. He courageously battled cancer twice, overcoming incredible odds each time with true grit and determination. Though this final fight proved to be too much, his strength and resilience will continue to inspire his family and friends for generations.

Preceded in death by both parents, and granddaughter Ariel Culberson. Jerry is survived by his wife of 35 years, Virginia "Jenny" Layton, his children Brandy Bartelme, Jeramie Layton, Shannon Kenney and two stepdaughters Melissa Woods and Lisa Gregory: his 15 grandchildren, and his siblings Ronnie, Lonnie, Harold Layton, Barbara Eubanks, and Tena McCloud. Jerry was a source of strength, wisdom, and support for his family and all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life honoring Jerry will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Collins Christian Church, located at 1610 DE LaPorte St., Collins, MO 64738. Family and friends are invited to come together to share memories, celebrate his incredible life, and honor the impact he made on so many.

Jerry touched countless hearts and will be deeply missed. May we carry his legacy of love, laughter, and kindness forward.