Andrew “Andy” Derek Layton, 26, of North Mankato, Minn., died Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013, surrounded by his family, at the Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato.

Andy was born June 9, 1986, in Panama City, Fla., to Cheri Hanson and Wade Layton. As he grew up he traveled with his family, attending schools in Panama City, Okinawa, Japan, and Anchorage, Alaska, until they settled in North Mankato where he attended Mankato West, Mankato. After obtaining his GED, he served in the U.S. Army Reserves as a combat medic, assigned to 492nd Engineer Company. He was honorably discharged in March 2012.

Andy loved being outdoors, camping, hiking, fishing, four wheeling, snowboarding and repairing cars. He was an excellent craftsman, working as a handyman and carpenter. He is survived by his mother, Cheri Hanson (Christopher Carnahan) of North Mankato; father, Wade Layton of Clovis, N.M.; daughter, Payton Scott, Cannon Lake, Texas; brothers, Brandon Layton and Corey Layton; stepbrother Cody Carnahan of North Mankato; stepsister, Kaylee Carnahan of Madelia, Minn.; grandparents, Diane Hanson of North Mankato, Mary and Viril Layton of Aberdeen, S.D.; great-grandmother, Frances Lange of Mankato; uncles Rick Hanson, Brad (Ximena) Hanson of Mankato; cousins, Heather, Joshua, Holly, Jacelyn and Tyler of Mankato.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Manford (Sonny) Hanson, and his beloved dog, Yoshi.

A private family burial will be held. A memorial service celebrating Andy’s life will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 10, at the Morson-Ario VFW, 1900 N River Front Drive, Mankato MN 56001.