W.J. Layton's Obituary
William Jay (W.J.) Layton, Jr., 81, of rural Welch, OK, passed away at his home Friday, September 30, 2016, after a short illness. W.J. was born October 25, 1934 in rural Welch to William Jay Layton and Nora Elizabeth (Stice) Layton. W.J. was a 1953 graduate of Labette High School in Altamont, KS. Also in 1953, he married the love of his life, Janice Neill, in a ceremony at the courthouse in Bartlesville, OK. They enjoyed 63 years of marriage. W.J. was a long-time, highly respected rancher and farmer. He lived his entire life on the family farm, enjoying every minute with the soil and his cattle. The tradition will continue through his wife, children, and grandchildren. He cherished every minute he spent with his family. He is preceded in death by his parents; a stillborn son, Jackie Leon Layton; a daughter, Lacresia Layton; and twin grandchildren, Layton True and Lakin Marie McLain. He is survived by his loving wife, Janice, of the home; 2 sons, Larry and wife Cindy, and Gary and wife Sandy, all of Welch; 1 daughter, Janet Hollister and husband Kyle of Nowata, OK; 1 sister, Geraldine Czapansky of Oswego, KS; 9 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, 1 nephew, 1 niece, and several great nephews and nieces. A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, October 2, 2016 at the Thomas Funeral Home chapel in Welch. Graveside services will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 3, 2016 at the Welch Cemetery. Casket bearers will be grandchildren, Rowdy Layton, Dustin Layton, Jayce Hollister, Kyle Eller, Byron Hogan, Kyle Gray, Cooper McLain, and Jeff Stoelzing. Honorary casket bearers will be Walter Branch, Tom Langley, George Seals, Louie Debo, Rats Riley, Tim Czapansky, and Billy Bailey. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, to please make a donation in memory of W.J. to the W.J. Layton Memorial Fund for the benefit of the Welch FFA, c/o Thomas Funeral Home, P.O. Box 231, Welch, OK 74369.
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