Ernest Melvin Laymen III, 82, of Westernport, MD, passed away on March 20, 2026, at Ruby Memorial Hospital. Born on January 11, 1944, in Keyser, WV, he was the son of the late Ernest Melvin Layman II and Eloise Lenora (Schaeffer) Layman.

Ernest graduated from St. Peter Catholic School before proudly serving his country in the United States Army. He deployed during Operation Desert Storm and later continued his service in the U.S. Army Reserves. He enjoyed a long career with the United States Postal Service, from which he retired. A lifelong and devoted parishioner of St. Peter Catholic Church, he served faithfully as an usher and in several other roles. Ernest was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and the American Legion, where he rose through the ranks to become Post 155 Commander, County Commander, District Commander, and held a leadership position at the state level.

He is survived by numerous cousins and all his veteran friends from the American Legion.

Friends will be received on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 4 to 7 PM, at the Fredlock & Fenner Funeral Homes - Piedmont Chapel. Military honors will be accorded by the American Legion Post 189, of Barton, MD, at 6:45 PM in the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 11 AM in the Divine Mercy, St. Peter of Westernport, with Father Scott Kady as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Peter Catholic Cemetery.

The Fredlock & Fenner Funeral Homes are honored to be serving Ernie's family.