Ben John Layton

On April 7, 2018, Ben J. Layton of Hawley, MN, ham radio operator WOUTT, signed off.  Ben was born in Jamestown, N.D. on July 16, 1920 and his family moved to Dilworth, MN in 1927.  Ben’s accomplishments were many, he enlisted in the Army, was a railroad engineer for 38 years when he retired in 1983, as well as retired as a Bird Colonel from the Army reserves after 36 years.  Ben was active in the community, he was an auctioneer, member of the quarter horse association and later in life he joined the Coast Guard Reserves in Florida where he and Phyllis enjoyed their second home and warm winters.

Ben married Elizabeth Paulson in 1943. She passed in 1970.  They had two children, Michael (NV) and Joseph Layton (deceased).  Ben married Phyllis Wilson in 1971, who passed in 2012.  Ben was a stepfather to Marc Erickson (MT) and Ginger Zorro (deceased) and was a loving grandpa to his two grandchildren, Corey Erickson (MT) Lacey Abell (MT) and great-grandson Kevin Abell (MT).

Ben had life-long friends in Dave and Glenna Tuil who were appreciated more than they know.

A graveside memorial service will be held on Monday, June 4, 2018, at 10:00 A.M., at Hawley Cemetery, Hawley, MN.