Laythe Edmond Sykes passed away on March 27, 2020 at the age of 83. He was born in Elkhorn City, Kentucky on May 14, 1936 and was raised by his loving parents, Otto and Madelyn Coleman Sykes. For 56 years happy years, he was married to Frances Fister Sykes.
Laythe’s life was a testament to working hard and playing harder. He attended the University of Kentucky on a football scholarship and had the experience of playing under the great Bear Bryant. He was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, as well as Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity. After graduating from UK’s College of Pharmacy, he married Frances, and worked for Begley’s Drug in Lexington and Shelbyville before opening Sykes Economy Drug in Elkhorn City, KY. He was a beloved pharmacist for over 30 years, and a passionate entrepreneur, opening many businesses throughout the community.
Laythe was, at heart, an avid outdoorsman, and could always be found enjoying the land he loved so dearly. He loved hunting, shooting trap and skeet, fishing, boating, and skiing. But he was never happier than when he was at home in the mountains.
He was a loving husband, father, friend, and Pop. His adventurous personality and unique charm were the life of the party, and he will be sorely missed.
Laythe is survived by his wife, Frances Sykes; his children, Evan Sykes, Michael (Laura) Sykes, and Lara (Jason) Walters; and eleven grandchildren, Marisa, John, Sandra, Evan, Bryson, Ben, Anne Frances, Cameron, Mary Patton, Catherine and Walker. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Connie, his daughter, Anne (Chris) Hinkebein, and his grandson Jacob.
In light of the coronavirus pandemic, only local immediate family will be attending the service. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, family and friends are invited to make donations to Hospice of the Bluegrass, now renamed Bluegrass Care Navigators. Visit bgcarenav.org and click “Donate.”
We are so sorry for the Sykes family’s loss. We are praying for them and regret we can not pay or respects at this time.
It is a loss for the community. I hope the Little Flower will send roses to comfort you, Fran.
So sorry for your loss, Fran and children. Another cousin gone.
Sorry for your loss. Love and prayers for all. God Bless.
So sorry to hear, my heart goes out to you and the family,
If there is anything you need just let me know, we love you and will keep you in our prayers
From, Osborne’s Landscaping
Mrs Sykes, I am so sorry for your loss. My love and prayers go out to you and Lara and Michael and Evan!
I am so sorry for your loss! I know you all now have another angel looking over you! Sending love and prayers and hugs to you all! Hope to see you soon at Sand Cliffs!
My heart goes out to Frances and the family. Love and healing prayers from my mom and the entire Ruth family! Laythe was always a pleasure to be around and talk to, from when I was a kid buying Mad magazines in the store to these later years around the Rusty Fork table or sipping lemonade up Water Branch. Peace to you!
Sorry to hear this. Laythe was always so good to my family. He was a great addition to the community. Love, hugs and prayers for all.
Heartfelt prayers to you, Frances, Evan, Mike and Lara. God hears our prayers even when we can’t find the words to say them. Rest in God’s Peace, Laythe.
Lay the will always be remembered as one of the most respected men in EC. It was an honor to have known him most of my life. He brought economic growth and leadership to our community. Prayers to all of you during this difficult time. May precious memories flood your soul.
Francis, Dennis and I are so sorry to hear of the passing of a dear friend Laythe . Dennis thought so much of Laythe and enjoyed the time he spent hunting and just visiting with him. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Dennis and Joann Adkins
So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers for all of the family. Teddy & Gerene Hackney and Forestine Rowe
Thinking of all of you! What a challenging time to suffer such a loss and try to grieve when you cannot be together! Much love and many virtual hugs coming your way! May peace and comfort be with you.
So sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful person and a great 1st boss. Truly will be missed by everyone that knew him.
Fran and family , so sorry to hear about Lathe. I have many memories working and talking to him daily , while calling prescriptions to him for 20 years. Always joking and laughing. He and my daddy were good friends. He told me the last time I talked to him , he missed my daddy and he was one of the best friends he made thru the years in the pharmacy and his store. I’ll never forget he teared up and said they don’t make em like Fred Overstreet anymore ! I feel the same by Laythe , they don’t make em like Lathye anymore ! Love and prayers to all ! ❤️🙏 Delilah and John Allman