Rayburn Layman

Rayburn L. Layman, 86, of Berryton, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2009 at Aldersgate Village. He was born on January 16, 1923 in Marionville, MO. He grew up loving country music and taught himself to play the guitar and harmonica. He was employed by several radio stations in Missouri before moving to Topeka. Rayburn married Elda Doss on November 28, 1942 in Shenandoah, IA. They formed a duet singing team known as "Ray & Elda" and were employed by WIBW Radio in Topeka for several years beginning in 1948. Ray later worked in sales in the Topeka area for 30 years. He enjoyed amateur radio as a hobby and was a member of the Kaw Valley and Osage Co. Amateur Radio Clubs. He was preceded in death by Elda on November 10, 1975. Ray married Marjorie A. Wenger on December 16, 1976 in Topeka. She survives. Other survivors include one daughter, Donna S. (Pat) Mulligan of Topeka, three grandchildren, Brian (Tara) Mulligan of Berryton, Michael Mulligan of Olathe, Carrie Mulligan of Lawrence, five great-grandchildren, four step-children, Delaine (Janet) Wenger, Ronald (Kathy) Wenger both of Powhattan, Cheryl (Ralph) Bryant of Topeka and Pat (Jim) Branson of Carbondale, six step-grandchildren, three great-step-grandchildren, three sisters, Wanda (George) Bormanns, Betty Louks, Mona Hagan and one brother, Boyd (Irene) Hammond. Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel. Burial will follow in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery. Ray will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home where the family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to First Assembly Of God Church, 500 S.W. 27th St., Topeka, KS 66611 or to the organization of the donor's choice.