John Layton was born on January 19, 1946.

 He was the third son of Doris Stremmel Layton. His childhood was filled with uncertainties and challenges that continued through his youth.

He briefly attended O’Fallon Tech and later tested at a Junior College Level. With circumstances not in his favor to succeed, he was determined to rise above them by working hard, accomplishing many feats along his journey to adulthood.

At 17 years of age, a certain raven haired doll caught his eye while he and a few of his buddies were at a mutual friends house. One of these buddies, Lester Gibbs walked over to this baby blue eyed beauty and said, “Hey Pam, Johnny Layton wants to know if you’ll go out with him?” To which she asked, “Who is Johnny Layton?” He then pointed to him and she politely replied, NO WAY!” But he wasn’t giving up that easy. So he pursued her and would often be at the same places as she and eventually the inevitable happened…she decided to give him a chance and they started a courtship.

When he first met my mother, he fell instantly in love, but waited three months before for the 1st kiss. Asking him why he wouldn’t kiss her before that, thinking he wasn’t interested in her, his answer was just so sweet…”I knew I would fall in love with you if I did…” They were married on September 18, 1965.

The following year they welcomed their first child, a son, Jeff, whom he was so proud. Three years later, daughter Trish was born. Their family became officially complete the day Kristen joined them. Nothing in his life was more important than his family. He would later go on to become a Grandfather to Jennifer, Nicholas, Alex, Tony, Ellen, Josh, Ryan, Abi and Great-Grandfather to Joe, Piper, Leighton, Madi and Sophie. He is a beloved Father inlaw to April, Scott, and Luke.

He was a proud member of Teamsters Local #600. He worked his way up from being a casual dock-hand to a City Driver for Shippers Dispatch that later became Preston Trucking Company. He served as Shop Steward, was elected as Trustee and Secretary-Treasurer of the Executive Board. He also was fortunate to be chosen to serve as Sergeant at Arms for Two International Brotherhood of Teamsters Conventions. His love for his fellow Union Brothers continued through his 30 years of employment. John was blessed to be able to fully retire at the age of 50.

After retirement, he enjoyed working on his home(s) and turned it into a lucrative side hustle. “John the Handyman” served the older population of North St. Louis County as a preferred provider through the C.O.R. E. program. He got his Insurance License at a later age to help others plan for their retirement. His hobbies and interests included St. Louis Blues Hockey, NHRA Drag Racing and building Hot Rods with son Jeff, and traveling, but his most favorite thing to do was to spend time with his family. He was an amazing father and “Paw Paw” to all his grandbabies.

He was quite the creative story teller and most of the time could tell it with just the expressions he’d make with his face..He never met a stranger and had a talent of striking up conversations at the most random and convenient times. Every place he went, it was not uncommon to hear “John Layton?!” Every single time!

Our amazing father left this earth for heaven on Monday June 12th 2023. He leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter and will forever be missed…

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/john-layton/obituary/

Copy