Merlin Martin Layer's Obituary
Merlin Martin Layer, 92, a resident of Fayetteville since the 1930’s, died Thursday, December 29, 2011 at Fayetteville.
He was born May 4, 1919 in Dallas City, Illinois, the son of William “Bill” Franklin and Mary Baker Layer. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Una Hazel Duncan Layer, a son-in-law, Richard H. Baird, Sr. and a grandson, Dean Layer.
He was owner and operator of Layer’s Marine and a Gulf Station, both in Fayetteville. He was a firefighter as well as assistant fire chief for the City of Fayetteville. He was also a meter reader for the City of Fayetteville. He was a wrestler in a circus and a baker. He was a member of the Mt. Comfort Church of Christ.
He is survived by one daughter, Julia Layer Baird of Fayetteville; a son, Tommy Layer and his wife Mary of Winslow; four grandchildren, Richard Baird, Jr. & Teresa of Bentonville, David Baird & Sharon of Carthage, MO, Sammie Cunningham & Jeff of Lincoln, Dwayne Layer & Tracey of Winslow; six great-grandchildren & three great-great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Saturday, December 31 at Moore’s Chapel.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 2 at Mt. Comfort Church of Christ in Fayetteville with Nathan Jorgenson officiating. Burial will be in Buckner Cemetery, under the direction of Moore’s Chapel.
Memorials may be made to the Willard Walker Hospice Home, 325 Longview, Fayetteville, AR 72703.
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