Friday, May 17, 2024
Charles "Chuck" E. Layman passed away peacefully at age 96 on Aug. 3, 2023, at his home in Edmonds. He lived a full and blessed life.
Chuck was born on Dec. 7, 1926, in Tulsa, OK. During the Great Depression he moved to Port Townsend with his parents and siblings when he was a young boy. He stayed busy with an early morning paper route and afternoon chores at the local pharmacy.
He developed a strong work ethic that he demonstrated his whole life.
After high school, he joined the Merchant Marines, where he served in the Pacific during World War II. He later served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Seoul, South Korea.
Upon returning home, he met LaVone Tweten in Seattle. They married on Aug. 29, 1948, in Seattle. Soon after, they moved to Lake City and then to Edmonds, where they raised their four children.
Through the years, Chuck instilled in his children a strong sense of right and wrong and the virtues of hard work and independence.
Chuck joined the Seattle Police Department in 1954 and early on became a motorcycle officer. After 21 years of service, and several promotions later, he retired as a sergeant/detective.
Chuck enjoyed a long and active life. He had many hobbies, including hunting, fishing, flying, traveling, golfing, and major home improvement projects. Over the years he served his country, served his community, became a commercial fisherman, earned his pilot license, and always found time for music.
He loved singing and dancing with his granddaughters and playing the piano and harmonica. He was also an avid sports fan, always cheering on his Mariners, Seahawks, and Huskies!
The family enjoyed many wonderful years together, including summer vacations water skiing at Lake Chelan with aunts and uncles and cousins. In later years, Chuck and LaVone traveled the world and enjoyed winters in Palm Desert.
Chuck is survived by his loving wife of 75 years, LaVone; their four children, Charlie (Candy), Christine, Linda (Drew), and Mike (Margaret); and nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Honoring Chuck's request, there will be no memorial.
