Richard Phillip "Dick" Layden

March 11, 1930 - January 14, 2020

Richard Phillip “Dick” Layden, 89, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 9:30 A.M. Tuesday January 14, 2020 at Heritage Health Therapy and Senior Living in Hoopeston. He was born on the 11th of March, 1930, in Danville, IL, the son of Edward and Cornelia (Fitzgerald) Layden. He married Catherine Marie Kerrigan on December 26, 1960 in Denver, CO. She preceded him in death. He is survived by two daughters, Sheila Cannon of Woodburn, OR and Michele (Doug) Nubel of Clive, IA; five sons, Kevin (Jill) Layden of El Paso, IL, John Layden (Denise Powell) of Hudson, IL, Joseph (Roxanne) Layden of Westmont, IL, James Matthew Layden, and Christopher Layden of Hoopeston, IL; one sister, Ruth Marie Carter; one sister-in-law, Eileen Layden; 9 grandchildren, James Richard, Joseph II, Zachary, Kathleen, Katie, Alysa, Megan, Erin, and Andy; three great-grandchildren, David, Richard, and Cheyanne; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a very special friend and dancing partner of 14 years, Audrey Bell of Georgetown, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife, Cathy of 43 years; three sisters, Mary Ellen (Joe) McKean, Agnes (Dr. Dave) Davis, and Patricia (Leonard) Newman; and three brothers, Edward Layden, Sr., Thomas (Bunny) Layden, and Paul (Lucille) Layden. Dick was a life-long farmer, who specialized in growing sweetcorn, asparagus, and miscellaneous vegetables. He served in the United States Air Force from 1952 – 1956. He was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Hoopeston and the Lion’s Club. Dick enjoyed dancing, playing checkers, visiting with his friends at McDonald’s, and talking about sweetcorn. With a burlap bag of sweetcorn, Dick was able to meet president’s, rock stars, and professional athletes. A visitation will be held 2:00 – 5:00 P.M. Sunday January 19, 2020 at Anderson Funeral Home 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL, with a rosary service at 4:45 P.M. The funeral mass will be held at 10:30 A.M. Monday January 20, 2020 at St. Anthony Catholic Church 423 S. 3rd St. Hoopeston, IL, with Father Patrick O’Neal and Father Tom Gibson officiating. Following the service, per his wishes, he will be cremated, and burial will be held in Floral Hill Cemetery at a later date. Military rites will be accorded by the Hoopeston American Legion Post #384. Memorials may be made to St. Anthony Catholic Church 423 S. 3rd St. Hoopeston, IL 60942 or the Hoopeston Area High School FFA Alumni Association. The family would like to thank Heritage Health of Hoopeston and Iroquois Memorial Hospice for their care. They would also like to give a special thank you to nurse, Amy and Dick’s special friend, Audrey Bell.