Mark Franklin Layton

Mark Franklin Layton of Plymouth, and formerly of Rockville, Maryland passed away peacefully in his home on June 6, 2017 at the age of 60. He was born in Washington, D.C. to Cleo and Janet (nee Robinson) Layton on October 20, 1956. Mark is survived by his beloved wife Karen (Gilchrist) Layton of 36 years, his four loving children Liz (Chris) Johnson, David (Charmagne) Layton, Katie (Sam) Fellows, and Stephanie (Sayan) Dobronsky, his five precious grandchildren Connor, Nathan, Ian, Claire, and Cameron, his dear siblings Janet (Val) Christiansen, Dean (Sandi) Layton, and Randy (Marie) Layton. Mark was preceded in death by both of his parents and two loving nieces: Gaynelle and Janet Marie Christiansen.

Mark was born in Washington D.C. and grew up in Virginia and Maryland. He attended Woodward High School, Brigham Young University, and Thunderbird Graduate School. He served an LDS mission to Argentina where he served the people and developed his grilling skills and love of mate. He worked in banking, specializing in Latin America. This took his family to Tennessee, Miami, Dallas, Mexico City, and Michigan. While banking was his profession, his passions were many: golfing, fishing, travelling, puzzling, model train collecting, old dish collecting, and all things music - especially Frank Zappa. During the last five years of his life Mark became addicted to running medals and ran more than 20 races, including three marathons. When he put his mind to something, he did it! Mark was known for his outrageous sense of humor and his kind heart.

He was a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings including bishop, ward clerk, teacher, and secretary to organizations. He avoided being called into the nursery, something for which he was very grateful. He was immensely proud of his family and loved them dearly. He always felt that his children were extraordinarily gifted with intelligence and his sense of humor. He loved his grandchildren dearly and enjoyed watching them play and buying them candy and explosives. He asks that every man over 50 get a PSA test from his doctor.

Visitation will be Sunday, June 11, from 4-8pm at the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 S. Main St., Plymouth, 48170. His Funeral Service will be Monday, June 12, at 10:30am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 7575 N. Hix, Westland, 48185. Family and friends may begin visiting at the church at 10am. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center.