Donald Chester Layman of Birch Tree, Missouri, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to see the love of his life, Suzy (Lawty) Layman, on July 7, 2023, at the age of 90 years and 5 months.

Don was born on February 9, 1933, to Guy and Lettie (Pierce) Layman. He was united in marriage to Suzy Lawty on February 14, 1956. To this union, three children were born Donald, Suzan, and Tracy Layman.

Don was a U.S. Army Veteran, and he was known for being a hard worker and dedicated father. Although a successful lumber mill owner for many years, he particularly enjoyed his fleet of over-the-road trucks and working with his drivers. One of his life highlights he liked to talk about was his Harley Davidson motorcycle and riding over White Pass on Mount Rainer, Washington, with both his sons by his side. Don enjoyed giving advice to his son-in-law, Roger, about the longhorn cattle business. They spent many hours discussing cattle, and his advice was always treasured.

Don was a great father and encourager of his children and grandchildren to be well educated and work hard in life. He did many good deeds that he kept private, such as helping area churches and people in need. He enjoyed many good friends, good food (especially ice cream), and family time with his children and grandchildren.

Don leaves behind a life full of wonderful memories and is survived by his three children, Donny (Jill) Layman, Suzan (Roger) Cole, and Tracy (Leslie) Layman; grandchildren, Jerremy (Melody), Brandon (Tene) Tyler (Erica), Garret (Jessica), and Wyatt (Kayla); great-grandchildren, Brea, Andrew, Jack, Lucas, Maybeline, Grace, and Traeger; great-great-grandson, Laramie; long-time companion, Janice Hawkins; sisters, Thresa (J.C.) Moore and Margie Huddleston; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members, and many friends.

Don was preceded in death by his wife, Suzy Layman; his parents, Guy and Lettie Layman; brothers, Coy, Chink, Norman, and Scotty Layman; and sisters, Katherine Cafourek and Beulah Ledbetter.

Don was a loving and devoted father and friend to many. He was generous and clever, full to the brim with knowledge gained through 90 years of life experiences. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at Yarber Mortuary, Mountain View, Missouri, with Rev. J.C. Moore officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9-11:00 a.m. also at the funeral home. Private interment for immediate family only will be in Bethlehem Cemetery, Birch Tree, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to Bethlehem Cemetery and left at the funeral home. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.