Layton Wilson

Layton Wilson was born July 3, 1912, in Aquilla, TX to Myrtle Oliver Wilson and Lucian Marcus Wilson.

He moved to Waco as a small child and attended Waco Public Schools. He began working in the Produce Business with his father and founded Wilson Produce Company which he owned for many years. He was the biggest Lettuce Distributor in Texas.

After World War II, Layton paid Lufkin Trailers to build an Aluminum sided trailer from his design to use in hauling produce. He added an air conditioning unit to keep his produce fresh longer. This was the first aluminum refrigerated produce trailer in the country.

During World War II, Layton served in the 104th Infantry, The Timberwolf Division of the U.S. Army. He was technician stationed at Camp Adair near Corvallis, Oregon.

Layton was a lifelong church member. He served as Chairman of the Board of Stewards at Herring Avenue Methodist Church.

After his marriage to Dorothy McAdams in 1971, they joined Cogdell Memorial United Methodist Church. Together they enjoyed many years of Christian service there with the Half Century Group and at the Harvest Festival. Layton cooked barbecue for the festival.

Dorothy and Layton loved to travel in their RV. They were FMCA Members and traveled often with their friends the Therrells.

He joined the Gurley Masonic Lodge in 1945. During his more than 60 years as a Mason he held various positions with the Lodge including Master of the Lodge and Chairman of the Funeral Committee. He was a proud recipient of the Golden Trowel Award for service. He was also a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy and his brother, Herman "Mutt" Wilson.

He is survived by his sister, Anna Lois Wilson Kemble of Waco, his nieces and their husbands: Lynda and Ray Richter, of Bradenton, FL; Joann and Ben Platt, of Castaic CA; Betty and A.C. Roda of Peachtree City, GA, and his step-daughter Rosalyn Woodruff of Coppell, TX, and by seven great nieces and nephews and seven great great nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be brother Masons: Cliff Teer, Charles Hobbs, Harold Jackson, Clarence Cobb, Edlon Hammond and Claude Ervin.

The family would like to express their special thanks to his care giver and family friend, Shirlee Meadows, to the nursing staff at Jeffrey Place and to Leah and her Providence Hospice staff.

If desired, memorials may be made to Providence Hospice, or Cogdell United Methodist Church, or to the Scottish Rite Children's Hospital.