Richard Eugene Layton , August 10, 1931 — April 18, 2018

Richard Eugene (Gene) Layton August 10, 1931—April 18, 2018 Richard E. Layton, 86, passed away at Signature Healthcare on April 18, 2018 at 11:17 P.M. He was born on August 10, 1931, to Richard Layton and Willa Mae Higginbotham Layton. He was preceded in death by both parents, one brother, Byron Layton and half-brothers, Bobby Pedigo and Phillip Morris.

Survivors include his daughters Victoria Birchfield (Gary) Sondra Fortner, Karen Smith (James) several grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Richard was devoted to his late wife Helen (Shelton) Layton, who was the love of his life. He lovingly took care of her through the many years she suffered with disabling rheumatoid arthritis.

Many people referred to Richard as “Gene”. He grew up in Terre Haute, IN. and attended Gerstmeyer High School.

He served in the USAF during the Korean War and was stationed in Wichita Falls Texas, before going to Korea. He retired from Stran-Steel Corp. in Terre Haute.

Richard was known by many as the electronics repairman who could fix anything. He repaired TVs, radios, stereos, washing machines, cars, was a carpenter, electrician, plumber, and machinist. He provided his services for a very low fee, or free for his family and friends.

Richard loved taking and developing pictures of family friends, and of nature. Richard enjoyed fishing and hunting in his younger days. He loved to garden and work in his yard growing vegetables and flowers.

He remained very active up until his heart attack in 2013, neighbors could see him out riding his bike, up on top of his house repairing the roof or cleaning out gutters, or out with his metal detector looking for treasure. He was always willing to help others, even while taking total care of his wife. He also loved music and was very proud of his daughters’ music abilities.

He loved playing guitar, piano and especially his harmonicas. The family thanks Signature Healthcare Nurses, Aids, and staff for their care for Richard during the past 5 years, and for Great Lakes Hospice Caring during his final days. Per Richard’s request, cremation through Greiner Funeral Home was chosen with private memorial service.

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