Layton Thomas

Layton (De) Thomas, 73, of Salem, passed away on Monday, November 11, 2013. He was born on April 3, 1940 to the late Orville Earl and Orpha Lucille Thomas in Iowa City, IA. He owned and operated Des Backhoe Service for 18 plus years prior to retiring. He was a very skilled man with extent knowledge in welding, machining and mechanics. He was known for his love of disassembling and refurbishing of antique cars and tractors over the years. He was known as someone that could literally fix anything that involved metal and machinery. Above all he will be remembered by his family as a loving husband, father, grandfather, teacher/instructor, and friend to all who knew him. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two sons, David W. Thomas and Michael L. Thomas. Family remaining to cherish his memory includes his wife of 55 years, Sandra N. Thomas; son, Bryon A. Thomas and wife, Julie; grandson, Josh Thomas; and brother, Gordon Thomas and wife, Marcia. The family will receive friends on Thursday, November 14, 2013 from 6 until 8 pm at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem. A graveside service with military honors will be conducted on Friday, November 15, 2013 at 2 pm at Cedar Lawn Burial Park with Rev. Keith Floyd officiating. An online guestbook is available by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.