Ralph Edward Layman

Mr. Ralph E. Layman, 84, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on the afternoon of Tuesday, December 9th, 2014 at Anna Rehab and Nursing in Anna. Ralph was born November 23rd, 1930 in Southern township in Williamson County, IL to Lillian Throgmorton Layman and Harry Earl Layman. He attended Carterville High School graduating in 1948. During this time he was active in Boy Scouts achieving Eagle Scout on Jan. 5th 1948. After high school he joined the U.S. Air Force serving in Alaska until returning home to care for his mother, who had fallen ill. During his service Lillian (mother) would often bring pictures of him to work to show co-workers at Sangamo Electric in Carterville. One of those co-workers was Nellie June Howell. Ralph and Nellie soon began dating and were married on April 12th, 1952 at the Bible Fellowship Baptist Church in Carterville. Throughout the next 62 years the two lead a life full of love and built countless memories together. Ralph again served his country when he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Germany. Upon his return home he worked at Sangamo Electric and attended Southern Illinois University obtaining a Bachelor's Degree in Education in 1959 and a Masters of Education in 1962. During his time as an educator he would positively affected hundreds of young minds throughout the state of Illinois with a majority of his time devoted to the Cutler and Dongola school districts. Following his career as an educator he would be self-employed, owning and operating the laundry mat in Anna, running a professional cleaning service, working as a real estate agent, and wood crafting. Ralph enjoyed spending time with his wife, Nellie, and loved to hear her sing their favorite gospel songs. Both were avid gardeners and traveled the Midwest together showcasing the crafts he built and she had painted. Ralph or "Papa", as he was referred to by his grandchildren, will be greatly missed by family, friends, and those that knew him best. Survivors include his wife, Nellie Layman of Dongola; two children, son Bob Layman and wife, Barbara, of Dongola and Debra Carter and husband, Rick, of Anna; four grandchildren, Jason Layman and wife, Mindy, of Pickerington, Ohio, Chris Layman and wife, Melissa, of Fort Branch, Indiana, Ryan Carter and wife, Torie, of Anna, Cole Carter and girlfriend, Taylor Tripp, of Anna; four great-grandchildren, Kali and Wyatt Layman of Fort Branch, Indiana, Connor and Eleanor Layman of Pickerington, Ohio; two sister-in-laws, Betty Palmer of Hurst and Donna Howell of Carterville; One brother-in-law Jim Howell and wife, Maxine, of Carterville, One aunt Margie Trovillion of Goreville; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Carl Layman. Funeral services for Mr. Ralph E. Layman will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 12, 2014 at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna with Rev. John Warren officiating. Interment will be in the Hill Crest Cemetery in Carterville. Graveside military rites will be conducted by the Illinois Army National Guard Funeral Honors Team of Marion, the Herrin V.F.W., the Herrin American Legion, and the Freeman Spur American Legion. Friends may call from 5 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, December 11, 2014 in the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna. Masonic Rites will be conducted at 7:30 pm, Thursday, December 11, 2014 at the funeral home. Memorial donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Envelopes will be available in the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna.