William “Joe” Layton (86) lifelong resident of Medimont, ID passed away at Kootenai Health on January 3, 2024.  He was born to Blake and Elma (Milesi) Layton on July 8, 1937, at the family homestead near Medimont.  Joe grew up, in Evans Creek, on the family property. He attended elementary school at Cave Lake and high school in Rose Lake.  At the age of 13, Joe left school to go work in the woods pulling a crosscut saw.

After logging for several years, Joe enlisted in the U.S. Army.  He served 4 years and was able to see the world. At the age of 28, Joe married Donna Maitland on July 23, 1965, at the Hitching Post in Coeur d’ Alene, ID.  The couple made their home on Evans Creek and have been there ever since.  Joe returned to the woods and logged for Nordstrom Logging, Sverdsten Logging and himself. He worked with his brothers Barney & Lee logging as well. He spent 1 season in Cordova, AK driving pilings; he returned home quickly realizing Alaska wasn’t for him.  Joe retired from logging in the mid 1980’s but continued to cut meat, a career and hobby that spanned over 50 or more years.

Joe was a simple man who enjoyed the outdoors he liked to hunt and fish.  He was a fabulous cook and enjoyed cooking for big family gatherings.  He had a sense of humor like no other and enjoyed telling jokes, stories, or pulling small pranks on his family.  He enjoyed making people laugh. 

Joe is survived by his wife Donna at their home near Medimont; children Natilie (Tom) Christensen of Harrison, ID, Joe Layton (Valerie Goin), Jody Layton, and David Layton all of Medimont, ID; brother Barney (Rosie) Layton of Medimont, ID, 3 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings Mary Scott, Blake “Buster” Layton Jr., and Lee Layton; and granddaughter Samantha Layton.  

A celebration of Joe’s life will be held at the Country Barn Bed and Breakfast, 18500 S Old Ln Rd, Cataldo, ID 83810 on Sunday, January 21, 2023, starting at noon.

He will be laid to rest with other family members on the property he grew up on and loved.