G.F. "Fred" Layher

G.F. "Fred" Layher, 90, Walker, Mo., passed from this life on Monday, Jan. 12, 2015, at the Missouri Veterans Home, in Mt. Vernon, Mo., following a lengthy illness. Fred was born on Aug. 28, 1924, in Rockville, Mo., to Gottlob Fredrick Layher and Christine (Moondinger) Layher. He was united in marriage to Erma Layher in Sept. 15, 1945, in Fort Scott, Kan., and she preceded her in death on Aug. 29, 2013.

Fred was raised in Walker and graduated from Walker High School with the Class of 1942. Following high school Fred served three years in the United States Army during World War II. He was in the European Theatre with the 17th Airborne and fought in the battles of Central Europe, including the D-Day Invasion and the Battle of the Bulge, Normandy, and Northern France, receiving three bronze stars. Fred owned and operated Layher Amusements from 1953-1993. He also raised cattle for many years.

Survivors include his children, Ron E. Layher and his wife, Judy, Branson, Mo., and Diane Jackson and her husband, Guy, Monett, Mo.; grandchildren, Matt Layher, Bronaugh, Mo., Allison Layher, Denver, Colo., Amy Lovelace, Springhill, Tenn., Michelle Testman, Kansas City, Mo., Kevin Patrick, Kansas City, Mo., Kyle Patrick, Fayetteville, and Rob Patrick, Columbia, Mo.; several great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Erma, he was preceded in death by one son, Randy Layher; his parents; one brother, Richard Layher; and two sisters, Freddie Louderback, and Bonnie Craig.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 15, at Ferry Funeral Home, in Nevada, with Kennon Shaw and Pastor David Rorabaugh officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in Newton Burial Park. Family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m., prior to the service.

Contributions may be made in his memory to the Nevada Hospice in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.