Robert A. Layman

Robert Aaron Layman January 12, 1942 – August 22, 2019 Robert Aaron Layman, 77 years old of Dayton, Ohio, died peacefully at his home on August 22, 2019. He was born January 12, 1942 to the late Aaron Franklin and Mary Jane (Balsbaugh) Layman. Survived by his loving wife Barbara J. (Flora) Layman of Dayton; sisters Juanita Grover (Lester) and Blanche Moore (beloved Charlie) of Modesto, CA, sister Suzanne Cipponeri (Gary) of Tucson, AZ; brother John Layman (Betty) of Modesto, CA; daughter Julie Sprenkel (Randy) of Dayton, son Jason Layman (Laurie) of Centerville; and grandchildren Austin, Connor, and Drew Sprenkel, and Brooke and Lucas Layman. Robert was a graduate of Downey High School, Modeso California. He married the love of his life Barbara Flora of Trotwood on November 25, 1961. He attended Ventura State College in Camarillo California. Two years later He and Barbara moved to Ohio and settled in the Trotwood area where they raised their family. Robert first worked at Frigidaire in Moraine, OH. His ambition and drive eventually birthed a partnership with his father-in-law Myrl Flora who became his lifelong friend. From the garbage truck which he and Myrl partnered together, to Baskin-Robbins where he and Barbara spent hours scooping ice cream and making cakes, Robert had developed a taste of entrepreneurship—and it was just beginning. He not only pioneered Taco Bell east of the Mississippi, but also opened the family restaurant, Brawleys, that served food 24-hours a day and was known for the world's biggest buttermilk biscuit! He went on to Florida opening vitamin stores, developing land, and his love for a small little town called Zephyrhills. It didn't stop there. Over the years, he was involved in many more restaurants, and other businesses and projects. He was diagnosed with Cancer in November of 2014. After a big surgery in 2016, he recovered miraculously as God was not finished with him. Robert accepted Jesus Crist as his personal Savior and was baptized into the fellowship of the Old German Baptist Brethren Church New Conference on July of 2016 and lived faithfully unto his death. His last years were blessed with a quality of life that many with his condition are not so fortunate to experience. Robert and Barbara loved traveling to Zephryhills, Florida, a place that became more that a second home to them. They spent the winter months there, going together to the Pine Grove District of The Old German Baptist Church, where they spent many Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings in the company of their dearest friends and church family. Robert enjoyed taking fishing trips with his buddies. He had an avid sweet tooth, cherished candy of all sorts, and spent hours galore making homemade ice cream and the most incredible, delicious pies of all sorts. Without a doubt, Mexican food was his favorite. He and his family toured Dayton’s offerings for a weekly “Taco Tuesday”. He was a visionary; he did not follow the easy path¬¬. He always said, “Finish what you start and you do it to the best of your ability”. He said this to his children and his grandchildren often. His love for family and friends ran deep. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend. He will be deeply missed and continue to live forever in our hearts. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 2:00 – 4:00 pm and 5:00 – 7:00 on Wednesday August 28 at the Stillwater Meeting House, Old German Baptist Brethren New Conference located at 5401 Salem Avenue, Dayton, OH 45426. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, August 29, at the Stillwater Meeting House and burial services to follow in the adjacent cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Give Medical Ministry http://miamicac.org/new/give-medical-ministry/. Target Dayton Ministries http://www.targetdayton.com/