Freestone County, Texas
Obituaries, Memorials, and Death Notices


Johnny J. Layton

Funeral services for Johnny J. Layton will be held on Friday, Oct. 28, 2022, at 
2 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Teague.

Bro. Scott Matthews and Dr. Dick Sisk will officiate. Interment will follow the 
services at Woodland Cemetery in Kirvin.

Visitation will be held on Thursday with the family present from 6-8 p.m. at 
Bowers Funeral Home in Teague. Mr. Layton passed away on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022, 
in Fairfield. Johnny Layton was born June 1, 1940, in Teague, and was raised by 
his grandmother, Della Moreland. He graduated from Teague High School in 1958, 
and worked as a letter courier and editor for the Teague Chronicle.

Johnny attended Jacksonville Baptist College on a music scholarship and graduated 
in 1968 from Stephen F. Austin. He continued his education with a master study at 
The University of Oklahoma, Abilene Christian, and SW Baptist Seminary.

He graduated with a Master of Science and a Master of Phycology and Biblical 
Studies. Johnny started his church ministry at Northside Baptist Church in Irving, 
in 1962. He continued to serve as a Minister of Music, Minister of Education, and 
held numerous pastoral roles in churches across Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas. 
Johnny served as the Senior Pastor of Lake Limestone Baptist Church for sixteen 
years and retired from full time ministry in April 2017. He married Evenda on his 
birthday, June 1, 1963, and shared more than 59 years of marriage together.

Johnny was a true servant to the Lord and traveled as a missionary to many areas 
around the world including Africa, India, and the Philippines. He was passionate a
bout spreading God’s love and message to all, and he was truly devoted to his 
family, friends, praise and worship through music, and his love for the Oklahoma 
Sooners.

Johnny Layton was a man of integrity, honor, compassion, humor, patience, 
unconditional love, and he dedicated his entire life to lead and follow God’s 
plan every day. Johnny leaves behind a family that loved him beyond measure, many 
faithful friends, and a path of truth that can be available for all those that 
have Jesus Christ in their hearts. He is survived by his wife, Sarah Evenda Layton 
of Teague; one daughter, Sarah Layton McDonald and husband Gregg of Tomball; six 
grandchildren, Michaela Millender and husband Carson, Carson Tomalin and wife 
Lindsay and their daughter, Layton Tomalin, Makenzie Bulls and husband Barrett, 
Taylor Steiner, Alyson McDonald, and Ryleigh Layton; numerous nieces and nephews 
including two special nieces, Laurie Ankarlo and husband Darrell and Paula Layton 
Barnes and husband Gaylen.

Mr. Layton was preceded in death by his son, John Layton; one grandsonin- law, 
Taylor Steiner; and three brothers.