Leon R. "Rafe" Layton Jr.

Leon R. “Rafe” Layton, Jr., loving father, grandfather, brother, and uncle

Portville – Leon Robert “Rafe” Layton, Jr., passed away Friday (December 8, 2023) at the home of his son and daughter-in-law, Cindy and Leon R. Layton III, after a short illness.

Lee was born July 27, 1947, he was the son of the late Helen and Leon R. Layton, Sr.

Lee was a graduate of Portville Central School and OBI with a business degree. He served in the United States Navy for 4 years where he was in combat during the Vietnam War. During his Navy service, Lee received a Combat Action Ribbon, which is awarded to those “who have actively participated in ground or surface combat” and is considered one of the higher medals. He continued in the service of others in his later years by volunteering with the Joint Veterans Council Volunteer Van Service.

Lee worked for years at Portville Central School as a bus driver and an AV/Media specialist.  He was a lifelong music enthusiast and played in various bands through the years. Lee was a hobbyist of model airplanes and trains. He was a life member of the NRA.

Lee was a proud member of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants, following his ninth great-grandfather, John Alden.  He was a distant cousin to four U.S. Presidents; 3rd cousin to John Adams, 4th cousin to John Quincy Adams, 5th cousin to Abraham Lincoln on the Hanks side, and cousin to President Calvin Coolidge.

Lee is survived by his children; Ashley LeAnn Layton, Emily Ann Layton, and Leon R. Layton III; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and siblings, Terry (Brenda) Layton, Mike (Cynthia) Layton, Penny (Jane) Mennie, Barbara (Del) Valeriay, and Judy Layton; and a great uncle, Richard Layton.

He was predeceased by his parents; and sisters, Patsy Layton and Peggy Kincaid.

Friends will be received at the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 51 S. Main St, Portville, on Thursday from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday (December 15, 2023) at 11 a.m. in the funeral home, with Wes Gilbert officiating. Burial will be in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Portville.

Memorials if desired may be made to the Joint Veterans Council Volunteer Van Service % 1 Leo Moss Drive, Suite 6510, Olean, NY  14760

Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.