of Harrison, AR

June 20, 1926 - February 20, 2018

Dan Lester Layton, age 91, of Harrison, passed away Tuesday, February 20, 2018, at Harrison Health and Rehab Center (formerly Apple Ridge Health & Rehab) in Harrison. He was born June 20, 1926, in Yellville, Arkansas, the son of Dan Webster and Florene (Hamlet) Layton. Dan was preceded in death his parents; his wife, Louella; his son, Tommy; his sister, Georgia Stone, of Arizona; and a brother and sister-in-law, Billy and Thelma Layton, of Harrison.

Dan grew up in Memphis, Tennessee but lived most of his adult life in Boone County, Arkansas. He married Louella Johnson, daughter of Tom and Tennie (Compton) Johnson, May 5, 1951. Dan loved fishing, music, square dancing, and his pet dogs and horses throughout his life. He and Louella also shared a love of travel and took several bus tours and cruises.

Dan and Louella were in business in Harrison for many years. He had the Arkansas Gazette newspaper dealership for 11 years while living in the Woodland Heights area. As co-owners, they established the Rocket Drive-in and Restaurant at the corner of South Pine and West Central after the May 7, 1961 flood. They were among the first residents of the Southern Hills subdivision and later developed a large portion of that subdivision. Dan also worked for Claridge Products for 22 years from where he retired.

Dan was an elder at the First Presbyterian Church. He was a member of the Main Street Harrison Association; the Kiwanis Club; Rustic Ramblers Square Dance Club and a life member of the Boone County Historical Society where he served on the board of directors and later became an honorary board member.

Dan is survived by his sisters and brother-in-law, Loretta and Jim Shettles and Peggy Bell, all of Harrison; a brother-in-law, Bill Stone, of Arizona; and a host of nieces, nephews, and their families.



Memorial service is 11:00 AM, Friday, March 2, 2018, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home, with Rev. D. C. Adams officiating. Visitation is one hour prior to the service.

Interment is 2:00 PM, Friday, March 2, 2018, in Maplewood Cemetery, for family and friends.


In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the First Presbyterian Church, 220 N. Arbor Drive, Harrison, AR 72601, or Legacy Hospice, 702 N. Main Street, Harrison, AR 72601.

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