In Memory Of
William H. Layes
1941
2023
William H. Layes
March 23, 1941 — March 31, 2023
William H. "Bill" Layes, 82, of Topeka, passed away on Friday, March 31, 2023. He was born March 23, 1941 in Scranton, Arkansas, the son of William T. and Lucille (Cotton) Layes.
Bill graduated from Topeka High School and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. He worked a number of years at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. He served in the United States Army at Ft. Leonard Wood in Missouri. Bill began working at the Kansas Department of Human Resources in the Research and Analysis Division on January 1, 1969. He became acting Chief of this unit in February, 1987 and officially promoted to this position in August, 1987. His title became Director of Labor Market Information. He retired from the agency on December 5, 2003 after 34 years of service.
Bill was a leader in two groups after retirement. He was a long-time member of the Kansas Coalition of Public Retirees. He spent many hours preparing presentations for Kansas State legislators regarding the need for a KPERS cost of living increase for retirees. He was very passionate regarding this cause and took little credit for his efforts.
He also devoted many hours volunteering for the Shawnee County Extension Office in their Master Gardner's Program. He was elected to various leadership positions in the agency and was also able to showcase his great woodworking skills. He built different items for the annual plant sale including wood flower box planters, birdhouses and many other items.
Bill was a member of Countryside United Methodist Church. His hobbies included golf and woodworking. He also wasn't shy about voicing his political opinions.
Survivors include two daughters, Elizabeth (Rick) Courtney of Kansas City, Kansas, Lynn S. (Jeff) Kanan of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, three grandchildren, Toni (Brad), Mallori and Noemi and one great-granddaughter, Kourtney.
Bill was preceded in death by one great-grandson, Wyatt and his two sisters, Ruth Armstrong and Kem Barnes.
A Celebration of Bill's Life will be announced at a later date. Private inurnment will take place in Memorial Park Cemetery.
Dove Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave. is assisting the family with service arrangements.
To leave the family a special message online, please visit www.DoveTopeka.com.
Bill graduated from Topeka High School and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. He worked a number of years at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. He served in the United States Army at Ft. Leonard Wood in Missouri. Bill began working at the Kansas Department of Human Resources in the Research and Analysis Division on January 1, 1969. He became acting Chief of this unit in February, 1987 and officially promoted to this position in August, 1987. His title became Director of Labor Market Information. He retired from the agency on December 5, 2003 after 34 years of service.
Bill was a leader in two groups after retirement. He was a long-time member of the Kansas Coalition of Public Retirees. He spent many hours preparing presentations for Kansas State legislators regarding the need for a KPERS cost of living increase for retirees. He was very passionate regarding this cause and took little credit for his efforts.
He also devoted many hours volunteering for the Shawnee County Extension Office in their Master Gardner's Program. He was elected to various leadership positions in the agency and was also able to showcase his great woodworking skills. He built different items for the annual plant sale including wood flower box planters, birdhouses and many other items.
Bill was a member of Countryside United Methodist Church. His hobbies included golf and woodworking. He also wasn't shy about voicing his political opinions.
Survivors include two daughters, Elizabeth (Rick) Courtney of Kansas City, Kansas, Lynn S. (Jeff) Kanan of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, three grandchildren, Toni (Brad), Mallori and Noemi and one great-granddaughter, Kourtney.
Bill was preceded in death by one great-grandson, Wyatt and his two sisters, Ruth Armstrong and Kem Barnes.
A Celebration of Bill's Life will be announced at a later date. Private inurnment will take place in Memorial Park Cemetery.
Dove Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave. is assisting the family with service arrangements.
To leave the family a special message online, please visit www.DoveTopeka.com.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William H. Layes, please visit our flower store.
Guestbook
Visits: 0
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors