In 1943, Leon joined the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged as Yeoman 2nd Class in 1946. Leon married the love of his life, Hazel Daniel Layne, on March 10, 1945. He was a graduate of Southern Methodist University, with a BBA in Accounting, and opened his own CPA firm in 1972. Leon worked steadily till his 90th birthday where hundreds of clients, family members, and CPA contemporaries attended his party.
Leon and Hazel absolutely loved traveling: they traveled to all 50 states, Canada and Europe. Trips to Colorado in his RV, fishing, and hunting were annual occurrences. In fact, he was an avid hunter throughout his life. He was famous for his homemade elk chili, made post-hunt every year.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Porter Benjamin Layne and Daisy Edna Brisendine, brother Ervin, and beloved wife of 67 years, Hazel. He is survived by sister Edna Stoldt; children, Patrick Layne and Mary Jo Guynes; grandchildren, Kristin Smith Tate and her husband John, Heidi Layne Wong and her husband Kennith, and Joshua McDaniel; great grandchildren Kennedy Smith, Presley Smith, and Porter Wong; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and clients.
He was always quick with a story. He was a larger than life figure for all that knew him, and to know him was to love him. Papa was the quintessential patriarch of his family and will be missed, dearly.
A visitation is planned for Sunday, November 1, 2020 from 3:00 to 5:00. Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 2, 2020 at 10:00 at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home,13001 Katy Fwy, Houston, Texas 77079.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialoaksfunerals.com for the Layne family. In lieu of flowers a contribution can be made to Leon's charities, Alzheimer's Foundation or the local Salvation Army or Food Bank.
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