HL Layman

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — HL Layman, son to the late Herbert and Lena Sigler Layman, was born on Dec. 23, 1931, in Houlka, Mississippi, and departed this life on Sept. 14, 2020, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, at the age of 88 years.

He was united in marriage to Janet Essner on June 19, 1982, in Ferguson, Missouri, and she survives.

HL grew up in Louisiana, as well as attended his school years there. He moved to St. Louis before enlisting. He joined the Marines on June 30, 1947. He served as an anti-aircraft automatic weapons crewman with the rank of Corporal until his honorable discharge on June 29, 1950.

HL was employed for 42 years with Terminal Railroad in St. Louis as a locomotive engineer, until his retirement. HL and Janet later moved to Southeast Missouri where they built a wonderful life together, embracing country living and raising their beloved dogs. He was also an avid outdoorsman.

His loving survivors are brothers-in-law/sisters-in-law, Melvin (Pat) Essner of Scott City; Jean (Harold) Menz of New Hamburg; Alfred (Frances) Essner of Bloomsdale, Missouri; nieces and nephews, Steve (Donna) Essner, Cindy (Brad) Riggs and Danny Essner all of Scott City; Cheryl (Doug) Johnson, Karen (David) Harper, Doug (Ann) Menz and Daren (Carrie) Essner all of New Hamburg; Carmen (Rick) Stretch of Ste. Genevieve, Missouri; also surviving are 12 great-nieces and -nephews; 13 great-great-nieces and -nephews.

In response to COVID-19 and recent gathering guidelines, a private family celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are with Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel.

Online condolences: www.amick-burnettfuneralchapels.com.

Paid obituary