Allen Preston Layne

Allen Preston Layne, 86, of Santa Ana, passed away on December 7, 2024. He was born on May 21, 1938, in Lewiston, Utah to Charles “Russ” and Louise Gessel Layne. He was a beloved brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, coach, and principal.

Allen graduated from North Cache High School and Utah State University. A job with the Union Pacific Railroad brought him down to Southern California where he found his true calling.

He recalls that memorable day when he walked into the Downey Unified School District office with railroad dirt still on his clothes and hands to ask for an application. As he walked out the door, the secretary stopped him and asked him if he knew how to coach football.

From that encounter, Allen dedicated 42 years to the Downey Unified School District where he began his career as a football coach and teacher at Warren High School. When an opening for head football coach at Downey High School opened in 1970, he took the chance, got the job, and led Downey’s football program to a League title, the Viking’s first league title in almost ten years. In 1982 after twelve years as Head Football Coach, he transitioned into administration serving as Athletic Director, Vice Principal, Assistant Principal, and spent the last eleven years as Principal of Downey High School.

In 2005 the new Downey High School football stadium was renamed the Allen Layne Stadium, in his honor.

Allen was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in various positions.

He was preceded in death by three older brothers Brandt Russ, Rex Gessel, and Thair David, granddaughter, Nicole Sheerman, and grandson, Curtis Sheerman.

Allen is survived by his brother Jerry Layne, of Smithfield, UT; sister Tamra Austin, of Preston, ID; wife Donna, of Santa Ana, CA; daughters Lisa (and Scott) Speakman of Bakersfield, CA; Suzanne (and Eric) McAllister, of Eagle, ID; Kym (and Steve) Sheerman, of Encinitas, CA; Victoria (and Jason) Russell, of Cypress, CA; and Correne Reed, of Springfield MO. He is also survived by 19 of 21 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 674 South Yorba Street, Orange CA on December 28, 2024. Viewing at 9:00 a.m. Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. Burial at Rose Hills Cemetery, 3888 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, CA 90601 at 2:00 p.m. We welcome anyone who wishes to join us as we celebrate his life.