MacKenzie Highlanders Pipes & Drums Of Iowa
In Memory of Steve Layton
Steven E. Layton, 59, of Ankeny, finished his journey on earth and reported for
duty at the pearly gates on Wednesday, April 27th 2011.  

Steve was a free spirit who was full of life and was happiest when he was
being of service to others.  Steve fulfilled his desire to serve early in life as a
Des Moines Police Officer and as the Sheriff of Decatur County.  Later he was
a dairy farmer in Decatur County and although he no longer lived in the area
he continued to help out many of his family and friends in that community.  
Steve was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Operative Lodge 308, in Polk City,
where he was currently serving as the Worshipful Master of the Lodge, and
was also a member of the Scottish Rite and York Rite.


After war broke out in Bosnia, Steve volunteered to be a member of the first
missionary group that was allowed into the country.  Steve used his many
handyman skills to initiate the rebuilding of schools and other needed
infrastructure in Bosnia.  Upon his return to the U.S., Steve continued his
service to the Bosnian people through involvement with the settling of
immigrants who came to central Iowa to start anew.  Steve developed many
close friendships through his efforts with the Bosnian people who now call
Iowa home.

Steve had many hobbies throughout his life to include sailing, motorcycle
riding, hunting, fishing, craftsman, and being a “Mr. Fix-It” for anyone who
needed something repaired.  Through these hobbies he developed many
enduring friendships and found more opportunities to satisfy his desire to
serve others.  Steve was employed as a school bus driver for the Ankeny
School District, but he never really considered it work as it provided him an
opportunity to interact with young people and mentor them to follow a path to
be proud and productive citizens of their community.  Steve was also a coach
for the Ankeny High School trap shooting team and spent numerous hours
teaching young people how to safely and responsibly handle firearms.  Steve
loved to hunt and fish and for many years his constant companion was his
Labrador, Sherman and when Sherman went on ahead to scout the fields in
Heaven, Steve took his Labrador, Amanda, and his German Shorthair, Daisy.  
Steve worked them every day in the field, and during hunting season they
helped provide many culinary delights for family and friends.

Steve was a member, or affiliated with, many organizations to include the
Patriot Guard Riders, ABATE, Isaac Walton League, Pheasants Forever, and
for many years he served as a motorcycle safety instructor at Des Moines
Area Community College.

Over the past 10 years, Steve was best known for his playing of the bagpipes,
either with the MacKenzie Highlanders, with his piping buddies, and
sometimes as a soloist.  Steve spent countless hours and drove thousands of
miles to play at celebrations, ceremonies, and funerals, to honor members
and veterans of the United States Armed Forces, Law Enforcement Officers,
Firefighters, and others who Steve believed needed to be honored for their
service.  Many times over the past 10 years on September 11th, Steve would
take the day off from all of his other activities to put on his uniform that
honored his Scottish heritage, and take his bagpipes and play on the steps of
the local police and fire departments, to honor those members of the public
safety profession who lost their lives on 9/11

Steve stated during an interview that if the bagpipes are played at a person’s
funeral they didn’t really die, because every time someone heard the bagpipes
after that, the person’s memory lived on.  Now Steve’s memory will live on
forever in the hearts of his family and friends every time we hear the
beautiful melodies of the bagpipes.  

“Guid cheerio the nou and see ye efter!”   (Goodbye for now and see you later!)



   


  
For superior performance and outstanding achievement in support of the Iowa
National Guard and the State of Iowa Law Enforcement and First Responder
personnel. Since September 2001, Mr. Layton has provided musical support
for funerals, memorials, unit send offs and homecomings for both overseas
combat and peacekeeping missions, and numerous other ceremonial
occasions. Mr. Layton's unwavering commitment to honoring Iowa service
members, veterans, peace officers, firefighters, and their families, with his
musical skill and expertise as a bagpiper, has set the highest standard of
excellence in public service. His dedication has earned him the eternal
respect and admiration of all Iowans. Mr. Layton's selfless service reflects
great credit upon himself, his family, the Armed Forces of the United States,
Iowa' Law Enforcement and First Responder communities, and the State of
Iowa.
Timothy E. Orr
Major General
The Adjutant GeneralT
Permanent Order 119-010                
Headquarters, Iowa National Guard   
Camp Dodge, JMTC, Johnston, Iowa
Iowa National Guard
Distinguished Service Medal
Is Awarded to
Mr. steven E. Layton