Layne A. Berry

Layne Allen Berry ("Boomer") was born December 5, 1980, to Ken and Aleda Berry and passed away August 16, 2026.

He left for Spring Training in his car seat at 3 months old and so began his life of baseball. His early years were spent playing multiple sports and pouring love into his pets: Fat Albert his hamster, BunBuns the rabbit and Rosie the cocker spaniel. That love later continued to his 3 Bostons - Rupert, Arya and Starkey.

Boomer attended West Avondale Elementary until mid-February when it was time for Spring Training, followed by the baseball season. So he and his sister attended 3 schools each year. He loved adventure, made friends easily and enjoyed new challenges.

Boomer's high school years were filled with sports and "The Firm," a tight group of friends who adhered to good times and lasting friendships. Boomer was the epitome of a loyal friend, but always happy to beat anyone in a ping pong game. He played tennis, soccer and baseball at Topeka West High School and was named to All-League and All-State baseball teams as well as the USA All-American baseball team. At Central Missouri State he played in the College World Series (Division II) 4 years, with the team winning the Championship his senior year. He graduated with a BS in Education. And left with a heart full of baseball friends and a million memories.

Boomer played minor league baseball with the White Sox for several years, a highlight being his Spring Training game with the Major League team where he went 3-for-3, scored 2 runs, drove in a run and stole 2 bases; and was named Player of The Game. Then after 3 seasons of playing Independent Baseball, Boomer taught at Free State High School in Lawrence and coached high school age baseball teams. He worked in special education where he and Andrea (Tomasino) Berry connected through their shared passion for helping students with special needs.

He and Andrea were married in 2014, moved to Pensacola for their work, and later relocated to Lawrence, KS and then Overland Park. Their daughter, Raimey, was born in 2017, bringing great joy to the family. Boomer was a devoted dad and Raimey was his absolute world. They loved hiking, exploring nature, swimming, playing games and riding roller coasters at Worlds of Fun. They also cherished quieter moments and creating things together. Raimey's favorite memories are his snuggles and big squeeze hugs.

Boomer had a variety of interests: quoting TV and movies, weaving song lyrics into conversations, music of all genres, singing karaoke and rescuing creatures in need. Nature brought him deep peace, and he became a deep thinker, seeking to understand the world around him. Although their marriage eventually ended, Boomer and Andrea remained close friends and devoted parents to Raimey. They continued to support and care for one another.

Through his private hitting instruction, Boomer poured his knowledge of baseball into the lives of so many softball and baseball players. He taught his hitters to believe in themselves. He understood the mental side of the game and connected with his hitters in a special way. He was never short on smiles or encouragement.

Boomer grew up attending Topeka Bible Church where he was baptized upon his confession of faith. As an adult, he further deepened his faith, seeking a more direct and personal experience of Christ's love and presence in his life.

We will fondly remember Boomer as creative, competitive, loyal and fun. He was a passionate teacher, coach and devoted dad, with an irresistible smile. His life was uniquely his own, and his light will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his daughter Raimey; parents, Ken and Aleda Berry; brothers Brett Berry (Lisa, children Leo and Gabby) and Rick Berry; sister Alyson Clark (Bryce, children Kennedy and Emery); and many beloved family members and friends.

"Let us not mourn the loss of flame...but remember how brightly it burned."

A Memorial Service will be held September 19 at 4:00 P.M., visitation at 2:00 P.M. at Topeka Bible Church, 1101 Mulvane, Topeka, KS.

Memorial contributions can be made for the support of Raimey Berry:

A GoFundMe has been established to help Raimey in the months ahead:

https://gofund.me/fc6f7d37c

Those wishing to contribute specifically toward Raimey's future education may email

raimeyberryeducationfund@gmail.com

to receive a secure contribution link to her NEST 529 education account.