Dr. Louis Junior Layton, 84, of Jonesboro, passed away at NEA Baptist Hospital on March 17, 2026. Dr. Layton was born in Poinsett County on August 6, 1941, to the late Arizona and Louis B. Layton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Charles Layton.

Dr. Layton was born and raised in Harrisburg's Central Community. Later, he moved with his family and graduated from high school in Buckeye, AZ. After graduating, he spent three years in the United States Army before attending optometry school at the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN. Once he became Dr. Layton, he opened his first practice in Trumann, which he operated for six years. In 1973, he felt the calling to rejoin the U.S. Military, this time joining the Air Force. Dr. Layton served seventeen years in the USAF as an optometrist before retiring in 1990 as a Lieutenant Colonel. After retiring, he returned to Jonesboro and opened Layton Eye Clinic, serving the community for many years. In his youth, Dr. Layton loved hunting and spending time outdoors, but as he grew older, his family became his priority. His favorite activity was spending time with his grandchildren. Dr. Layton will be greatly missed by family, friends, and colleagues alike.

Dr. Layton is survived by his wife of 55 years, Debbie Layton; son, Dr. Kye Layton; daughters, Amanda Knight (Matt) and Rebecca Welch (Andy); sister, Martha Lewis; grandchildren, Ella Layton, Elise Knight, Elan Knight, and Sarah Welch; and a large number of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

A funeral service is scheduled for 2:00 pm on March 21, 2026, at Emerson Funeral Home with Rev. Shane Fore officiating. A visitation will take place from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. before the service. Burial will occur afterward at Holly Springs Cemetery in Harrisburg, AR.

Pallbearers include Freddie Kirksey, Matt Knight, Kirk Lewis, Jonathan Lewis, Brennan Walker, and Brett Jones. Honorary Pallbearers include Frank Hinshaw.