Robert Layfield

Robert fell asleep in the Lord on April 9. He was born March 11, 1926 on the family farm in Ritchie County, West Virginia to John Robert Layfield and Ida Nora Shrader, and he was the youngest of thirteen children.

He was preceded in death by both parents, son; Teddy Dayton Layfield, wives; Mary Lee Grandstaff Layfield and Mary Allen Hall Herring Layfield, sisters; Mabel, Pearl (Eschol) Stephens, Christine (Bernard) Hickman, Frieda (Bud) Kerns and Ester and Hester, brothers; Kermit, Everett, Lawrence, twins Kenneth and Kester, and Claude Layfield, and by two step-sons; Ricky and Roy Herring.

He is survived by his daughter; Sandy (Karl) Trammell, Grandchildren, Monica Autrey (Tony Wallis), Matthew (Amanda Montgomery) Trammell, his great-granddaughter, Kaitlen Autrey and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins as well as step-son, Gary Herring, and step-grandchildren Kelly and Roy Herring.

Having grown up on a farm and working in the oil fields of West Virginia constructing oil derricks, he joined the U.S. Marines in 1943 participating in both WWII and Korean Conflict. He served aboard the U.S. GUAM during the invasion of Okinawa. Having been honorably discharged from the Marines after 12 years, he later joined the Air Force, served in the transportation squadron and was stationed at Eglin in 1960. He received the National defense Service Medal, United Nations Medal, Korean Service Medal, Navy Occupation Medal, American campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific campaign Medal and WWII Victory Medal. He retired from the Air Force in February 1966. He continued in Civil Service until he retired in 1984. During his time in Civil Service he worked as a Model Mechanist creating models of weaponry and other necessary items developed for the military. Upon his retirement from Civil Service with a total of 36 years serving his country, he owned and operated Gibson welding and Bob’s Machine Shop.

He enjoyed playing and coaching baseball and softball with both his children. He loved fishing too. He was a big presence in the lives of his grandchildren and most especially his great-granddaughter Kaitlen. He was always eager to help if the need arose. He assisted in the construction of the Niceville High School Football Field and drove the NHS basketball players to away games ’68-69. A practical joker, he was always bringing a smile to the face of anyone he met.

He was a life member of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, The American Legion, Masonic Lodge and Hadji Shrine.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Semper Fi Fund which provides services to veterans of all branches of service.

There will be a time of visitation held from 9-10am on Monday May 13, 2019 at Heritage Gardens Funeral Home with Funeral Service beginning at 10am. Interment will take place at 1:00pm in Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola Naval Base, Pensacola, FL.

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