Lawrence Layman

Our father, Rear Admiral Lawrence Layman passed away on Saturday, January 20, 2018 in his sleep at home in McLean, VA. The Admiral served our nation for over 40 years in the United States Navy; in Korea, Vietnam, and Europe. Lawrence was a decorated veteran who loved this country and his family. He was a warrior, a man of character, and a leader of men. Lawrence was our hero and rock whose wisdom and judgement shaped all our lives.

He was born on October 28,1930 in Leclede County, Missouri, son of Archibald and Zoe (Hoke) Layman.

Lawrence is proceeded in heaven by his parents, his sister, Alice (Layman) Roam, and his beloved wife, Carmen Elizabeth (Meyer) Layman.

He is survived by his children, Linda Layman-Peterson, Lawrence II (Deena Geesey), Harry Arthur (Patti), and John Robert (Cyndi Fillmore), 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.

We await Dad’s final resting place at Arlington National Cemetery, next to his beloved wife, our mother, Carmen.

WASHINGTON POST OBITUARY (Sat. 1/27/2018)

Rear Admiral Lawrence Layman, US Navy (Ret.) of McLean, VA, passed away peacefully at home, January 20, 2018 from congestive heart failure. Born on October 28, 1930 at home, on a farm, six miles from Lebanon, Missouri (MO) and raised in Laclede County, MO. He graduated from Lebanon High School in May 1947. He then attended the University of Missouri for one year in order to reach the minimum age requirement for entry into the U.S. Naval Academy. He graduated from the Academy and received his commission as an Ensign in 1952.

He is survived by his children, Linda Layman-Peterson, Lawrence II (Deena Geesey), Harry Arthur (Patti Hu), and John Robert (Cindy Fillmore). He leaves behind 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Awaiting him in heaven are his parents, Archibald and Zoe (Hoke) Layman, his sister, Alice Vivian (Layman) Roam, and his childhood sweetheart and wife of over 60 years, Carmen Elizabeth (Meyer) Layman.

Rear Admiral Layman retired as Director, Space, Command, and Control on February 28, 1989, completing over 40 years of service to his country. He spent much of his career at sea. He first served aboard the USS Marshall (DD-676), spending eight months in Korean waters. He went on to serve as the Executive Officer on three ships; USS Cayuga County (LST-529), USS Direct (AM-430), and the USS King (DLG-10). He also served as the Operations Officer on the USS Somers (DD-947) and Communications Officer, Destroyer Flotilla Seven embarked on the USS Topeka (CL-67/CLG-8). He commanded the guided missile destroyer, USS Joseph Strauss (DDG 16) during Vietnam War, including support of the Tonkin Gulf and U.S. Marine operations. Finally, he commanded the guided missile cruiser, USS Horne (CG 30/DLG30) – “America’s Finest Cruiser”.

His shore assignments included serving as Chief of Staff at the Defense Communications Agency (DCA) and as Deputy Commander of Naval Telecommunications Command (NTC).

Selected for Rear Admiral in 1979, his service included Director of Command and Control for the United States European Command in Stuttgart, West Germany. He returned to the U.S. to serve as Vice Director of the DCA followed by Director of Naval Communications for the Chief of Naval Operations. His last assignment was Director of Space, Command and Control reporting directly to the Chief of Naval Operations. His has the distinguished title of being an “Old Salt”, as he was the most senior Surface Warfare Officer on active duty as of December 1988.

He was awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal (two awards), Legion of Merit (two awards), Bronze Star with Combat V, Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendations (two awards), Combat Action Ribbon, numerous campaign and service ribbons.

Rear Admiral Layman received a Masters of Science Degree in International Affairs from George Washington University 1972. He also graduated from the Air Force War College in Montgomery, Alabama in 1967 and completed the Navy’s Nuclear Power program in 1965, qualifying as a nuclear reactor operator.

In retirement, he pursued what he most treasured, time with his best friend and beloved wife, and family, watching his grandchildren thrive.

Rear Admiral Layman will be buried with Full Navy Honors at Arlington National Cemetery Friday, February 15, 1:00PM.