Gerald “Jerry” Lee Layman, 93, died on Christmas Day, 2024, in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, surrounded by his beloved wife of nearly 72 years, Joan (Jo), and his family. His loved ones maintained a devoted vigil in his final days.
 Born on May 18, 1931, in Salina, Kansas, Jerry grew up in Lindsborg. He married his childhood sweetheart, Jo, in 1953, and the couple made their home in Wichita, Kansas. After raising a family, enjoying a successful career, and dedicating himself to civic and church service, Jerry and Jo relocated to Highlands Ranch to be closer to their four sons and nine grandchildren.
 Jerry is survived by his wife, Jo; sons Jeff (Barb), Greg (Maureen), Mike (Diana), and Steve (Leslie); grandchildren Nicole (Dylan) Sharpe, Zac, Erin (Mike) Rhoades, Kerstin (Tyler Mell), Blake, Brooke, Isaac, Aaron, and Zach; and great-granddaughter Avery Morgan Sharpe.
 A service of remembrance will be held on January 25 at 1:00 PM in the Red Rocks Room at Windcrest. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Stephen Ministry at Windcrest or the Alzheimer’s Foundation at www.alz.org/co.
 For the full obituary, please visit: www.ellisfamilyservices.com/obituaries/Gerald-Jerry-Lee-Layman?obId