Clarence J. Layne - Obituary

Clarence J. Layne, 84, died August 25, 2023, at Anne Arundel Medical Center. He was born in West Virginia on December 31, 1938, and raised by his grandparents whom he loved more than anyone would ever know. He joined the Marines in 1956 out of Parris Island, SC, and served his country until being honorably discharged in 1959. He became a photographer and was talented enough to work for a newspaper which gave him the opportunity to pursue his passion for photography. Among his favorite photos were Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon, as well as many senators, movie stars, and football games. He was also fortunate enough to photograph many historic moments, including the March on Washington, which was highlighted by Martin Luther King, Jr.'s “I Have a Dream” speech. He would later become a competitive dancer and he also trained in karate. He taught classes for the Operating Engineers Apprenticeship School Local 99 and boating safety courses while he was in the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Clarence is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mercedes Layne; his daughters, Nancy and Sandra Lee Layne, both of Edgewater; his grandson, Phillip Arce-Layne; his niece, Monica Yabiku-Campos and his nephew, Andres Yabiku. Relatives and friends are invited to join in Clarence’s life celebration on Thursday, September 7 from 2-4 PM, followed by a funeral service at 4, at Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater. The interment will be private. Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.