H.L. Layman

H.L. Layman, son of the late Herbert and Lena Sigler Layman, was born Dec. 23, 1931, in Houlka, Mississippi, and departed this life Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, at Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau at the age of 88 years.

He was united in marriage to Janet Essner on June 19, 1982, in Ferguson, Missouri, and she survives.

H.L. grew up in Louisiana and attended school there. He moved to St. Louis before enlisting in the Marines on June 30, 1947. He served as an anti-aircraft automatic weapons crewman with the rank of corporal until his honorable discharge June 29, 1950.

H.L. was employed for 42 years with the Terminal Railroad in St. Louis as a locomotive engineer, until his retirement. He and Janet later moved to Southeast Missouri, where they built a wonderful life together, embracing country living and raising their beloved dogs. He was also an avid outdoorsman.

His loving survivors are brothers- and sisters-in-law, Melvin (Pat) Essner of Scott City, Jean (Harold) Menz of New Hamburg, Missouri, and Alfred (Frances) Essner of Bloomsdale, Missouri; nieces and nephews, Steve (Donna) Essner, Cindy (Brad) Riggs and Danny Essner, all of Scott City, Cheryl (Doug) Johnson, Karen (David) Harper, Doug (Ann) Menz and Daren (Carrie) Essner, all of New Hamburg, and Carmen (Rick) Stretch of Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. Also surviving are 12 great-nieces and -nephews and 13 great-great-nieces and -nephews.

In response to COVID-19 and recent gathering guidelines, a private family celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are by Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel.

Online condolences may be shared at www.amick-burnettfuneralchapels.com.