Bruce E. Layton

March 29, 1952 – June 2, 2025

On Monday, June 2, 2025, we said good-bye to a loving husband, father, and grandfather, Bruce E. Layton. He was born to Elmer C. Layton and Virginia L. Archer on March 29, 1952. He was a social and friendly guy, especially with his McDonald's buddies, and led a religious-focused life. We were honored that God gave him to us.

He married Arlene Knox on May 11, 1974 and had three children: Brian, who was born on his birthday, and twins Brooks and Amy. Together they served the Lord at the Ocean View Church of Christ. He was baptized in April of 1973. In the 70's, began teaching youth and adult Sunday School for 41 years. He also served as a Deacon, song leader, Superintendent, and played drums in the church's praise band. It was a joy for him to serve and take communion to those who could not attend church services. He was a faithful servant and student who loved the Word of God and was willing to share the gospel with others.

He was from Indian River High School's graduating class in 1970 and a graduate of Control Data Institute. His civic duties include serving on the Town Council for both Millville and Ocean View. He was the proud Owner and President of Layton Mortgage. On a local level, he was a renowned local drummer with many local bands, such as Strawberry and Bananas, The Shady Side, and Almeada, which played at many local fire companies and canteens. He was always tapping his fingers and hands to his Rock-N-Roll music.

His servant heart was for Lower Sussex Little League, as a Board Member for over 30 years and later President for 21 years. He helped initiate and coordinate, in collaboration with Martin Donovan, Delaware District 3 hosting of both the Senior and Big League Softball World Series' for Little League at Lower Sussex. During his tenure as President, he and the Board, expanded the Lower Sussex Little Complex, which was chosen as the host of the Senior and Big League Softball World Series' because it is a premier Little League complex on the East coast of the United States. This tournament continues to flourish, having a remarkable economic impact to Sussex County. Recently his granddaughter, Mia, played an All-Star game, on "Bruce Layton Field", which is the chosen field for the World Series and Championship games.

In addition, he was on the Board of Directors, for the Pyle Center, which has a vision for a YMCA facility that would include building pools for the Indian River High School swim team and community.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer C. Layton and Virginia L. Archer; father-in-law George W. Knox; mother-in-law Marie Knox; sister-in-law Judith D. Warrington; brothers-in-law William B. Warrington, Jr., and Charles P. Townsend, Jr.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Arlene of 51 years, children: Brian Layton (Lisa), Brooks Layton (Christy), and Amy Kernodle (Wil); two granddaughters, Katlyn Moore and Mia Marie Kernodle, his brother AJ Lathbury (Kelley), sister-in-law Mary Jane Townsend, and brother-in-law Roger G. Knox (Sue).

A visitation will be held from 11 AM to 1 PM on Sunday, June 8, 2025 at the Ocean View Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 38040 Muddy Neck Rd., Ocean View, DE 19970, where the funeral service will begin at 1 PM.  Interment will follow at Mariner's Bethel Cemetery in Ocean View, DE.

The family has requested that anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution, to kindly consider donating, in his name, to Lower Sussex Little League, P.O. Box 320, Ocean View, DE 19970.