Bruce E. Layton, devout Christian
Bruce E. Layton, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away Monday, June 2, 2025. He was born March 29, 1952, to Elmer C. Layton and Virginia L. Archer. 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 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 Ocean View Church of Christ. He was baptized in April 1973. In the ’70s, he 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 and 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 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 on 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 Indian River High School swim team and the 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; and brothers-in-law, William B. Warrington Jr. and Charles P. Townsend Jr.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 51 years, Arlene; 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 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday, June 8, at the Ocean View Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 38040 Muddy Neck Road, Ocean View, where the funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. Interment will follow at Mariner’s Bethel Cemetery, Ocean View.
Memorial contributions may be made in Bruce’s name to Lower Sussex Little League, P.O. Box 320, Ocean View, DE 19970.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting melsonfuneralservices.com.
