Fred Layer

The family of Fred E. Layer would like to express our gratitude to our father, companion and friend for his life of service to us all. Fred was a dedicated family man and gave without reservation to all whom he loved. Fred was born to Fred Albert and Gladys Irene Barr Layer on October 1, 1922 in Terre Haute, Indiana. He spent his school days in Terre Haute and graduated from Wiley High School. After graduating from high school Fred was determined to serve his country during World War II. Fred enlisted in the Navy, he passed the physical with flying colors, but during the second part of the enlistment process Fred had to prove he could swim. Known to sink like a rock in water, Fred paid a friend to jump into the water when his name was called. Fred truly was a brave man; even though he served aboard a minesweeper cruising the Pacific Ocean he never did learn to swim. Fred loved his job as a conductor for the PennCentral Railroad and was known to his friends as F.E. In the spring of 1952 Fred's sister Virginia Cheek introduced Fred to Josephine Taylor. Fred and Josephine were married August 10, 1952. Marsha Anne was born to Fred and Josephine in the fall of 1953 and Karen Lee completed the family in the summer of 1955. Fred always sought to help to others and after retiring he did what he loved; he served others as a volunteer at the Indianapolis Hospital. He received numerous awards in recognition of his selfless service. Fred met Fern Moore in the 1980's and they became devoted companions. Fern's family became Fred's loving and caring extended family. In 2004 Fred moved to Boulder, Colorado to be with his family. In Boulder Fred resided at Golden West Retirement Community. At Golden West he made new and valued friends. Fred was a kind and caring neighbor making sure all his friends at Golden West had their needs met and kept everyone entertained with his quick wit and sparkling personality. Fred enjoyed a sound mind and healthy body and at age 89 died after a very brief illness. Fred's sister, Virginia Cheek, ex-wife Josephine Taylor, daughters Marsha Layer and Karen Bernardi, son-in-law Marc Bernardi, granddaughter Nova Everson, and great-grandson Jagger are thankful that we had Fred in our lives and we are looking forward to being with him again. A celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at 3 pm Golden West Aspen Room, 1055 Adams Circle, Boulder, CO.