David Marlin Layne

David Marlin Layne of Gallipolis, Ohio, age 78, passed away peacefully at Adena Hospital in Chillicothe on Thursday evening, October 29, after several extended illnesses. David was preceded in death by his grandparents Charles and Emma Layne and Wayne and Henrietta Church; his parents Calvin and Janice Layne; and many aunts and uncles. He is survived by his son Christopher Ryan Layne of Galveston, TX, and grandchildren Isabella Layne of Galveston, TX, and Dedric Silva of Point Pleasant, WV. Surviving David are his five siblings: Gary (Kathy) Layne, Racine, OH; Nanci Thompson, Gallipolis; Ruth Layne, Greensboro, NC; Emily Layne, Gallipolis; and Carol (Mark) Brown, Pittsburgh, PA. He has left behind one aunt, Eloise Louks of Reynoldsburg, OH, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

David graduated from Gallia Academy High School, Class of 1966, after which he served in the Army in Germany and Fort Knox, Kentucky. After his discharge, he became a lead field tech for Ohio Bell Western Union and MCI. He spent the next thirty years in various service positions in Cincinnati, OH, and High Point, NC, before retiring to Gallipolis.

Anyone who knew David knew of his love for sports and reading. In his younger years, he spent time at the Memorial Field, playing Little League and Pony League baseball under his father's coaching. He loved to golf and to root for his favorite teams, the OSU Buckeyes and the Cincinnati Bengals (football), the North Carolina Tar Heels (basketball), and the New York Yankees (baseball). He had a personal collection of over five hundred books, many science fiction and mystery. His favorite author was Clive Cussler.

Two days before his passing, David accepted Jesus as his Savior.

David requested that no services be held after his passing, a wish that his siblings are honoring. A family remembrance will be held later.