Charles Edward Layton

Charles Layton, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and faithful servant of Jesus Christ, passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord on May 30, 2026. His life was marked by steadfast faith, quiet strength, humility, and deep love for his family and friends. While his passing leaves a profound emptiness in the hearts of those who knew him, his family rejoices that he now rests in the eternal joy and peace promised through Christ. We will miss his Christmas peanut brittle, and his good-natured jokes present even in the final days of his life.

Born on May 27, 1929, in Eastland, Texas, to Edward Emerson and Ruth Roquemore Layton, Charles lived through a century of remarkable change in our world and yet remained grounded in the timeless truths of Scripture. He was an only child and became an Eagle Scout during his youth. He graduated from Eastland High School in 1946 where he was in the band and played on the football team. Charles graduated from Hardin Simmons University in 1950 with a Bachelor of Business Administration and was an enthusiastic member of the University's Cowboy Band.

He served 11 years in the Texas National Guard, attaining the rank of First Lieutenant. Charles's career included 33 years with Texas Utilities, with positions from general financial management to Corporate Secretary and ending as Assistant Treasurer in Dallas. In 1987, he took early retirement and became the Business Administrator of Travis Avenue Baptist Church in Fort Worth.

After retirement at the church, Charles and his second wife, Barbara moved to Warsaw, Poland to serve as International Service Corp volunteers from 1995 to 1997. After returning to Texas, they participated and led Christian ministries and mission projects abroad and across the nation. He was a member of Travis Avenue Baptist Church for 54 years and served as a deacon and Chairman of the Deacons 4 times.

He was known for his integrity, wisdom, and unwavering trust in God through every season of his life. Whether at work, at church, or around the family table, he consistently encouraged others in expressing gratitude, faithfulness, contentment, and joy. His love for God shaped the way he loved and led others each day.

Charles found immense joy in his family and treasured the relationships God gave him. Charles was preceded in death by the two loves of his life, Sue Ann Layton, his wife for 39 years, and the mother of Charles's two sons, and his second wife, Barbara Anne Layton, his wife for 24 years and the mother of his stepson and his stepdaughter. He is survived by his sons, Mark (Diana) and Kirk (Marty), stepson Paul (Dodie), stepdaughter Janet (Byron), and his niece Francene (Barry); his grandchildren, Misty (Casey), Morgan, Randi, Austin (Hayley), and Charlie (Tiffany); his great-grandchildren Caroline (Ben), David, Parker, Duncan, Ashton, Abigail, Norah, and Esme, and the children and grandchildren of Francene, Paul, and Janet. He leaves behind a legacy not measured in accomplishments alone, but in lives touched by his prayers, encouragement, generosity, and Christlike example.

As they honor his memory, Charles's family finds comfort in the Apostle Paul's words: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." Though he is deeply missed, Charles's life remains a testament to God's faithfulness throughout his 97 years and to the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.