Robert LeRoy “Bob” Layton of Gilbert, AZ passed away on March 15, 2019 at the age of 76. He was born on October 6, 1942 in Safford, Arizona to LeRoy “LR” and Roberta Nash Layton.
Bob married Dianne Vance in the Mesa LDS Temple on June 16, 1967. They raised their eight children in Gilbert, AZ: David (Joanna), Roy, Leanne (Kase) Rothlisberger, Amy (Sam) Goodman, Brian (Katie), Wayne (Mary Ann), Brad (Amber), and Kevin. Bob was lovingly known by his children and grandchildren as “Pop.”
As a young man, Bob served a mission in Brazil and was blessed to serve there again with his wife from 2003-2006. As a result of this service, he had a deep love for the Brazilian people. He was also a meticulous farmer of cotton, alfalfa, potatoes, and a variety of vegetables. Even more than farming, Pop loved the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He served in the Gilbert Greenfield Stake Presidency for 18 years. He was a dedicated disciple of Christ and served faithfully for as long as his body allowed.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his sweet sister, Joan Bethea. He is greatly missed by his loving wife, his children, his 31 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, as well as his brother, Keith (Shawna); sister, Kaye Andersen (Darl); and brother-in-law, Daryl Bethea.
A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00pm on Friday, March 22, 2019 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Gilbert Greenfield Stake Center, 2740 South Lindsay Road, Gilbert, Arizona 85295. The funeral service will be held the following morning (Saturday, March 23, 2019) at 11:00am at the same location, with a second visitation prior to the service, starting at 9:30. Bob will be interred at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 North Center Street, Mesa, Arizona 85201, following his services.
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. So thankful for the plan of salvation our Heavenly Father has given us. I knew Bob from when we were about 5 years old. Growing up on Robin Ave. Bob’s dad was my bishop and his mom was my Primary teacher. A really great family. Even though we had not been close for several years, I will miss him. He was truly a good friend. May God bless you and keep you and your family. Jim Kinsey
Sorry to hear about Bob’s passing. He was a diligent, silent servant in the kingdom. A man of perfect integrity.
He was my favorite cousin and even though we were 1st cousins I always said I was going to marry him but Diane beat me out and was definitely a wonderful choice. We had such fun times and children as cousins and Aunt Berta and Uncle LR were so loved and the life of the party. Keith and Bob were an amazing duo with Aunt Marge’s boys chiming in. As adults we had some amazing parties at Christmas at Aunt Berta’s with the Aunts and Uncles. Bob was an amazing cousin, friend, and example of what the gospel teaches. He was always there for me when I needed advice for any situation I needed help on. He was loved and so was Diane. So thankful to have had him in my life. Always a positive loving Christ like Man. You will be missed but we are happy for you journey ahead and someday we will see you.
We are so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He always had such a happy welcoming smile. He and Diane made a very cute couple. We wish we could be there to give you all hugs. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Love You, Pam and Terry and the Andersons
Diane and Family – We send our love and prayers to all of you at this time. It is just so hard to have those we love pass on but thank goodness for the Gospel and the Love of our Savior. The day will come for all of us to be together again and have one great reunion. May the Lord bless you and comfort you – we love you.
My thoughts prayers and sympathy sent to all the family. He had such a great smile and would always say hello to me when he came to Pinto Creek when I was there. Love you all !
We are sorry to hear about your loss. I have given the other Smith’s the news of his passing.
We all loved him. We will miss him. We love you Diane. Rochelle Thomson and Rhonda Forner.
He welcomed me with a big hug when I arrived in Belem / PA more than 14 years ago. He, a great man, both in stature and in dignity, taught me how to be a better servant of the Savior in my life. He taught with power and spirit. Always very wise, teaching us to recognize the miracles and the blessing of living the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. He has faced Parkinson’s disease in recent years, and I know he is free from the pains of this world to remain a faithful leader on the other side of the veil. We’ll meet one day again, my dear President Layton. We of the Mission of Miracles (Brasil Belem Mission) love you and we are in prayer for you and your family.
Ex Elder J. Santos!
Our family is sooooo grateful that one of the amazing Bob and Diane Layton kids married one of our daughters! I had already loved the Layton “kids” that had come to the EA Institute; and knew they had wonderful parents. Our joy has multiplied as we have been blessed to be able to share grandkids with your family. Bob is rightfully idolized by his family, extended family … and EVERYONE else that got to know him well. We’re sooo thankful for his righteous, humble example that we ALL should emulate!! We love you all !!
Dianne;
Our thoughts are with you, and your family. May the love of happy memories and moments to come bring warmth to you and your family’s heart.
We Love You,
Bob & Cindy Hazard and family
My condolences to the family. Bob and Dianne have always held a special place in my heart since our growning up years in Chandler. I always thought they were a prefect couple! They certainly set a good example. My heart goes out to Dianne for her loss and I pray the comforting influence of the Spirit to be with her and the other family members at this difficult time.
nanabb.betty@gmail.com Dear Dianne, I am so sorry that you going through this very difficult time. I don’t really quite know how to express my sorrow for your family at being separated from your husband and father for this time. I know missing him must hurt so deeply, I and my family have become closer to our Savior because of you and Bob. You two helped bring the gospel into our lives. Your family, and a few others, were the exampleswe used as a pattern to follow as we learned about the Gospel of Jesys Christ. I have missed being close since you moved . But the distance and infrequencies of seeing you all does not lessen the love we feel for your family, nor the gratitude I feel at having been influenced by your lives. I’m in South Carolina now serving a mission, so can’t come to bring condolences or give you a hug. I do send my love and prayers for now. And hope you know what a special place your Bob played in our lives, baptizing us into a new life closer to our Savior. May God grant you comfort and peace. Betty,
I know Bob is in a better place. It was fun being in scouts with him. Rolling boulders or helping gather the cattle on the safford ranch. Yes i will miss him Murf
Bob exercised with Jay at Banner Neuro Wellness for several years. Bob and Jay fought back against the symptoms and challenges of Parkinson’s disease. Dianne and I supported each other attending Care Partner group meetings. People with Parkinson’s often have the mask of Parkinson’s which doesn’t allow them to show expression on their face, Bob always had a handsome smile and a positive attitude. He had determination and courage. I enjoyed seeing Bob’s face light up when he looked at Dianne. Theirs is a wonderful love story. It was our privilege to know this wonderful man. He is fondly remembered.
Our heartfelt condolences to Dianne and family.
Sandy and Jay Murphy
I love my cousin Bob! I have so many good memories growing up with my cousins. Dianne I’m sorry you two are temporarily apart. You and your family are in our prayers and are very much loved.
I remember the wonderful Christmas Eve’s we spent with Uncle LR and Aunt Berta. Bob was always a big part of that. He taught me to swing way over Christopher Creek and not get stranded over the creek. His testimony and Spirit will always be with me. Dianne our prayers are with you and your family. We love the Layton’s!
This wonderful man touched so many lives, not the least of which was mine and my family. One of my greatest privileges was to serve with him as he lead and blessed the members of the Greenfield Stake. My heart is heavy, but I am grateful for the memories that will continue to fill it with joy in the days to come.
Sinto falta dos conselhos e palavras de apoio, foi um homem incrível em quem aprendi a me espelhar, fui abençoado por ele ter aparecido na minha vida. Rest in peace my president. See you later in the heaven.