Layman Ira Slagell was born October 28, 1924, north of Hydro, in the home of his parents, Dan and Jane (Waters) Slagell and passed away in the same home he was born, with his wife and family at his side, June 1, 2022, at the age of 97 years, 7 months and 4 days.

Layman was raised on the family farm and attended Hopewell Rural School and Jabbok Bible School. When his father fell ill, Layman was needed on the farm and was forced to drop out and return to the farm where he spent the next 52 years farming with his brothers (Slagell Brothers). In 1943, he was drafted into WWII, however, due to his father's health, he was given a farm deferment. In 1956, while in Oregon attending the wedding of his brother, Carl Dean, he was introduced to a pretty young woman and on August 23, 1959, he married the love of his life, Dorothy Brubaker in Sweet Home, Oregon.

Layman accepted Christ as his personal savior and was baptized as a young man of 11. For the next 86 years he led a life filled with love for Jesus and was an example of Christian life and love for all those who knew him. He was a faithful member of Pleasant View Mennonite Church, serving in roles as Sunday school teacher, elder and trustee for many years. Growing up during the great depression and dust bowl years and being suddenly responsible for the family farm at a young age, taught him that a life of faith was important and he continued that lifestyle for the remainder of his life. Farm life was difficult and he confronted many adversities including tornados and fires which destroyed barns and crops. He retired from farming in 1994 at the age of 70 but continued to be active by supporting and helping his son and son in law for the next 20 years.

Layman was blessed his entire life with excellent health and a great memory. One of his earliest memories were remembering his father bringing the horse and buggy around for his mother to take to "sewing" at the church and the completion of paving Route 66 between Hydro and Weatherford. He knew vehicles and tractors and was often a source of knowledge for mechanics and hobbyist in their rebuild and restoration projects. He enjoyed telling stories and social gatherings. Even into his 90s he was maintaining and making repairs to his beloved 1966 Chevrolet Biscayne. He also enjoyed traveling and took the family on trips every summer. He kept a bible and a road atlas beside his chair and would be quick to reach for either one if a place of interest was mentioned or a question was asked.

Layman is survived by his wife of 62 years, Dorothy Slagell, of their home in Hydro; two sons, Dale Slagell and wife Rosa of Weatherford and Gaylon Slagell and wife Carin of Spring, Texas; Two daughters, LeAnn Gossen and husband Kim of Corn and Geneva Penner and husband Hal of Weatherford; two foster daughters, Della Kelley of Weatherford and Tina Fergus and husband Tim of Enid; nine grandchildren; six foster grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Daniel, Carl Dean, and Maxton; one sister, Beulah; and one foster daughter, Stella Joseph.