JB Layne's Obituary
Born on September 2, 1930 in Augusta, Arkansas, JB left us suddenly on Memorial Day, May 29, 2006. While he was first stationed in Germany, JB met his wife Elfriede Â- he was so charmed by her beauty that soon after meeting her, he caught a ride on the back of a motorcycle and found his way to her parentsÂ' house! What a surprise that must have been! JB and Elfriede just celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on July 10, 2004 with family and many lifelong friends.The military was a major part of JBÂ's life. He retired as the Command Sergeant Major (CSM) of the 15th Engineer Battalion, and he was the Honorary CSM of the 555th Combat Support Brigade (ME) [the Triple Nickel]! He was very honored by this distinction. JB so loved the military that he became a civil servant. He worked for the Department of Defense, serving as the Chief of the Reserve Component Support Division on Ft. Lewis. In addition to the military, JB served on the Clover Park School Board, and was very involved in the local politics of the City of Lakewood - there werenÂ't many City Council meetings that were held without JB in attendance! He loved Lakewood!JB is survived by his wife, Elfriede, daughters: Rose, Carmen (Al), Korina (Christopher); his son Johnny (Amber), 7 grandchildren, David, Marcus (Jacqueline), Sam, Kristin, Zane, Konstant, and Makayla; 5 great-grandchildren: Jesse, Michael, Malik, Maariyah, and Raheem; his brother Freddie, sisters Mary and Franchell, sister-in-law Ruby Mems, and countless nieces and nephews. He was a soldierÂ's soldier, who believed that a manÂ's character is built on respect, and the love of family, friends, and country. A memorial service will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 6, 11am at Mountain View Valley Chapel, 4100 Steilacoom Blvd. SW in Tacoma, WA. Remembrances may be made to the Fisher House, 9999 Wilson Ave, Ft. Lewis, WA 98433 (an organization that provides housing for families of terminally ill children), or any organization that supports soldiers and their families.
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