Steven (Steve) Layton, husband, father, grandfather, and devoted servant of his Lord Jesus Christ, went home to be with his Savior on July 31, 2021, at the age of 65. Steven Edward Layton was born in Tishomingo, Okla., to Lee Edward Layton and Dorothy Verlane Golliher Layton on Jan. 3, 1956. He married the love of his life, Deborah Bourne, on Oct. 21, 1976 in Caddo, Okla.
Steve was an active member of Trinity Life Church where he served on the church board. He served as a deacon at First Baptist Church in Wilburton, Okla., and also as a deacon at Immanuel Baptist Church in Paris, Texas. Steve served as a youth mentor and music leader at several different churches throughout his lifetime.
Steve earned his bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M Commerce in Manufacturing Engineering. He was a manufacturing and process engineer throughout his career. He was also a member of the Oklahoma National Guard.
Steve was very mischievous, and you never knew what he would say or do. He always lightened the mood and was fun to be around. Steve was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved being outdoors. He raised cattle and could always be found driving the tractor and tinkering around the farm. Big Pa enjoyed teaching his children and grandchildren how to embrace the many aspects of outdoor life from fishing to four-wheeling, catching grasshoppers to snakes, building bonfires, and shooting guns.
Steve is survived by his loving wife Debbie Layton of the home, his cherished children, Chris Layton and wife Amy of Tulsa, Okla., Erin Thompson and husband Zack of Prosper, Texas, and four wonderful grandchildren, Emery and Maddox Thompson, and Lorelei and MacIsaac Layton. His grandchildren were the light of his life. Steve is also survived by brother Jess Rider; sisters Rhonda Barnes, Robin Layton, and Tracy Madden.
Steve was preceded in death by his father, Lee Layton; his mother, Dorothy Hunt; father-in-law, W.A. Bourne; mother-in-law, Remona Bourne; brother, Paul Layton; sister-in-law, Sheri Rider; and sister-in-law, Lori Bourne.
Family hour will be from 7-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 3 at the Holmes~Coffey~Murray Funeral Home in Durant, Okla.
Steve’s funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 4 at the Trinity Life Church in Coleman, Okla. with Bro. Randy Tadlock and Lynn Schaffer officiating. His final resting place will be the Highland Cemetery in Durant, Oklahoma with Joel Shipman, Rick Robb, Chad Stanley, Danny Clark, Scott Hinsch, and Burgie Thompson as pallbearers. His honorary pallbearers will be Jess Rider, Arnold Bourne, Mike Bourne, Terry Bourne, and Robert Bourne.
Services are under the direction of Holmes~Coffey~Murray Funeral Home in Durant, Okla.