Who do I ask for a reference after a layoff? (St. Louis)

The company closed and I am not sure how to reach former colleagues. I would rather hear the honest version than the polite one. HR only confirms titles and dates. How do you ask politely?

Use a professional network to find a former manager. Many will still write a note.

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it 13 months ago, and it settled down once I kept a simple log of every call and form.