Marion Edward Layman (76) of Hidalgo

Marion Edward Layman, 76, of Hidalgo, Illinois, passed away July 28, 2019, at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois. Together with his wife, Sandra Lou (Grove) Layman, he resided at their family grain farm in rural Hidalgo, Illinois, since 1962.

Marion was born on October 25, 1942, in Effingham, Illinois, the son of Elza and Thelma (Warfel) Layman. He graduated from Newton High School with the Class of 1960. He married Sandra Lou Grove on February 18, 1962, and built their home that same year near his parents’ farm north of Hidalgo. He assumed responsibility of the family farm when he was 15, eventually building a successful seed cleaning business (Layman’s Seed Farm) that he operated for many years. He retired in 2007, but remained active in the farming operation until his death. He served two terms on the Jasper County School Board.

Marion is survived by his wife Sandra, a son and daughter-in-law, Robb and Patricia Layman of Williamsville, Illinois; a daughter, Paige Layman of Newton, Illinois; and a sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Frank Smythe of Granville, Illinois. He is survived by two grandsons, John Walter Layman and Riley Paul Hart, and two nephews, Cory and Joshua Smythe.

Marion enjoyed many family activities over the years, including attending baseball/softball games and marching band events involving both his children, attending his daughter’s various music and dance activities, and family vacations. He was a devoted father to his children, always encouraging and supporting their pursuits. Marion loved farm life and enjoyed talking with his farming neighbors, sharing advice or gaining insights about his vocation. He especially enjoyed working with his long-time employee and farm tenant, Ross Green of rural Hidalgo. In recent years, he enjoyed spending time at work or play with both his grandsons. He also liked attending tractor shows and local plow day events, as well as collecting turn-of-the-century postcards of railroad depots and Illinois towns. He appreciated a cold beverage on a hot summer’s day, and liked spicy Mexican food and lemon pie. Above all, he cherished his love and friendship with his childhood sweetheart, Sandra, to whom he was married for 57 years.

Marion was preceded in death by his parents, and father and mother-in-law Paul and Jessie Grove.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 AM Friday, August 2 at the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois, with Rev. Steve Willis officiating. Burial will be in the Aten Cemetery in Hidalgo, Illinois. Visitation will be held 4:00-7:00 PM Thursday at the funeral home. In loving memory of Marion, memorials may be made to the John Walter Layman and Riley Paul Hart education fund. The obituary can be viewed and condolences left by clicking here.