Allen Layne, retired Downey High principal, dies at 86

DOWNEY — Allen Preston Layne, a respected educator, coach, and longtime principal at Downey High School, passed away on Dec. 7, at the age of 86.

Born May 21, 1938, in Lewiston, Utah, to Charles “Russ” and Louise Gessel Layne, Allen was the youngest of five brothers. He graduated from North Cache High School in Richmond, Utah, and continued his education at Utah State University, graduating in 1964.

Allen began his 42-year career in education as a teacher at Warren High School. In 1970, he transferred to Downey High school and served as the Athletic Director, Vice Principal, and Assistant Principal before relocating to Columbus High School.

As a first year football coach, Layne led the team to a league title in 1971, beating Dominguez 25-20, the Vikes’ first league title in almost 10 years. As Athletic Director, he mentored new coaches and won the respect of veteran coaches in all areas of athletics. When he moved to administration, he kept the campus safe and running smoothly and earned the respect of students and staff.

His career culminated in 1994 when he was promoted to Principal of Downey High school, a school often referred to as the flagship of the district. He remained there until his retirement in 2004.

His contributions to the school and its athletics program were celebrated in 2005 when the football stadium was renamed Allen Layne Stadium in his honor. He was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame in 2010.

Kirk Cartozian, a former student of Layne, called him “the true Mr. Downey.”

“He understood people. Kids, teachers, fellow administrators, parents, and the community at large loved him through and through,” said Cartozian. “Because he loved them.”

Cartozian said Layne was an early supporter when Cartozian ran for Downey City Council.

“He even wrote an open letter in the Downey Patriot expressing his support for me,” Cartozian said. “It seems a little funny sharing this loyalty factor today but, as a 26-year-old young buck, nothing meant more to me than knowing he was in my corner.”

Kirk Cartozian, Allen Layne and Dr. Roger Brossmer.

A devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Allen served in various leadership and service roles.

He was preceded in death by his brothers Brandt, Rex, and David; his granddaughter Nicole Sheerman; and his grandson Curtis Sheerman.

Allen is survived by his wife of many years, Donna, of Santa Ana, Calif.; his brother Jerry Layne; his sister Tamra Austin; and his five daughters: Lisa (and Scott) Speakman, Suzanne (and Eric) McAllister, Kym (and Steve) Sheerman, Victoria (and Jason) Russell, and Correne Reed. He also leaves behind 19 of his 21 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held on Dec. 28 from 9-10:30 a.m., followed by services at 11 a.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 674 South Yorba Street, Orange. A burial service will take place later that afternoon at 2 p.m. at Rose Hills Cemetery in Whittier.

According to Cartozian, Layne recited a famous line at every Downey High graduation: “I’m proud of our valedictorian who will surely go on to greater heights. I’m proud of our ASB President. And I’m proud of the captain of our football team, who represented our school so well. But I’m most proud of those of you out there graduating by the skin of your teeth tonight!”