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Gary Franklin Layne
08-25-2024

Gary Franklin Layne, 72, passed away on August 25, 2024. He was born on February 17, 1952, in Sioux Falls, SD to Benjamin F. and Edna M. (Johnson) Layne. Gary grew up in Sioux Falls and graduated from Lincoln Senior High School in 1970.

Gary married his high school sweetheart, Diane J. Stelzer, on May 8, 1971, at East Side Lutheran Church. They lived in Sioux Falls, and welcomed a son, Brian P. Layne in 1972, and daughter Shari R. Layne in 1976.

Gary worked for many years at Egger Steel in Sioux Falls, SD. He retired from Home Depot in 2023 after 21 years of service. He was lovingly known as the “The Paint Guy.” Gary always greeted customers with a smile and loved to help everyone find the perfect color. He considered, and treated, his Home Depot colleagues and customers as lifelong friends.

Gary was always available to chat while sharing a cup of coffee, a bite to eat, or to fix whatever needed fixing. He loved to work with his hands and was never a person to sit still. Before his illness, Gary could be found cruising the bike trails in Sioux Falls, blasting classic rock n’ roll songs, or behind the paint desk at Home Depot, even on his days off.

Most of all, Gary loved his family. He was a proud parent, grandparent, uncle, brother, and a friend to all. He was especially fond of his grand-doggy golden retrievers, Dexter, Jaxon, and Henry.

Grateful for having shared his life are his son: Brian Layne (Michelle Slagle); daughter: Shari (Wayne) Hanson; granddaughters: Kate Layne, and Meghan Hanson; grandson: Jacob Hanson; sister: Sandra Novak; brother-in-law: Alan Nyhus; several nieces and extended family and friends. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Ronald Layne, and sister, Nancy (Alan) Nyhus.

Visitation will be Tuesday, September 3, 5:00 PM with a Memorial Service at 6:30 PM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home.