Edward “T.D.” Myrl Layman, Jr. of Louisville, Kentucky passed away at his home on January 30, 2023, after a period of declining health. He was a gentle giant who always thought of others and generously shared his kindness with the world. He was a big man who had an even bigger heart, and deeply loved his family and friends.
He was born on November 19, 1953, to Edward Myrl Layman Sr. and Geneva Shirley Layman in Louisville. He grew up with a brother (Marty) and a sister (Shirley), and they lived on the same street throughout their childhood, making friends in the neighborhood. In his youth, he enjoyed studying science, devising experiments, and collaborating on creative projects with his best friend, Don Carter. He attended Thomas Jefferson High School, and pursued his interest in science at the University of Louisville, where he graduated with a degree in Geology.
He loved to laugh, and enjoyed making others laugh. He told entertaining stories and delighted in hearing a good story. He loved watching good comedy movies, and let’s be honest, he also loved watching bad comedy movies. As a sports enthusiast, he watched a lot of basketball and football, and remained a loyal UofL fan throughout his life. Even during this 2022-23 basketball season.
He enjoyed listening to various genres of music, especially Rock ‘n’ Roll, and had a large collection of records, tapes, and CDs. He attended Concordia Lutheran Church for many years, and used his booming voice and love of music in the church choir.
He had a life-long interest in science and technology, and worked as a Chemist throughout his career, including at the Colgate-Palmolive lab in Clarksville. He enjoyed learning, and sharing his knowledge with others. He appreciated new scientific discoveries and continued to research topics online throughout the years.
He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. He seemed happiest when he was with his family and friends, and was known to bring multiple disposable cameras to all get-togethers in order to capture all the great memories of the people he cherished the most.
He is survived by his wife, Diane Langston; daughter, Shellee Marie Jones (Brandon); brother, Martin “Marty” Layman (Lisa); sister, Shirley Ann Layman (Mark Mattingly); nephew, Jonathan Layman; nieces, Elizabeth Shirley Matlock (Josh), Emily Caroline Shireman (Chad), Katherine Louise Draper (Kaleb), Kimberly Ann Burks (Max Schaefer), Rebecca “Becky” Kaplan (Jeremy); grandnephews, Gavin Draper, Owen Draper, Tucker Matlock, Tobias Schaefer, Henry Kaplan; and grandniece, Madilynn Matlock.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Geneva Shirley and Edward Myrl Layman Sr.; and half-brothers, Robert “Bobby” Layman and Charles Edward Layman.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Evergreen Funeral Home (4623 Preston Hwy, Louisville, KY 40213). A service to honor the life of Ed will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. T.D. will be laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery.
