W. Layton Johnson, general/mayor
Walter Layton Johnson (W. Layton), 89, of Georgetown, died peacefully at home Thursday, Feb 12, 2015.
Affectionately known as "The General," like many 18 year olds, he was drafted out of high school during World War II on Jan. 20,1944. He graduated Goldey-Beacom Business College in 1948. He served in the European Theatre in World War II as part of the medical detachments of the 16th and 4th Armored Divisions of General George Patton's Third Army. He was proud of being part of the American Army that liberated Czechoslovakia in 1945. He returned to visit the Czech Republic several times over the years.
After separation from active duty on Aug. 31, 1946, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve. After a short duty tour in the reserves, he began his distinguished career in the Army National Guard Jan. 26, 1948, as a corporal, earning a commission as a second lieutenant Dec. 6, 1949. Thereafter General Johnson's National Guard career was marked by a steady climb to more responsible assignments, including inspector general and chief of staff of the 261st Signal Command. Concurrently, Gen. Johnson began his career as a fulltime employee with the Delaware Army National Guard in 1955.
As his career as an officer in the DEARNG continued, so did his career as a federal civil service technician, until his retirement as colonel and command administrative specialist in November, 1980. At retirement; he was promoted to brigadier general and began his retirement career as general.
During and after his military career, "The General" also embarked on a second passion, the Town of Georgetown. He was mayor of Georgetown from 1962-88. After serving 13 two-year terms, he retired as mayor.
After being actively involved in the biannual Return Day celebration for many years as the host mayor of Georgetown, in 1992 he embarked on perhaps his most visible "career" as the Town Crier, colorfully reading the Sussex County election results from the balcony of the courthouse dressed in his tails and top hat for the next 20 years. 2012 was his last year as the Town Crier. In 2014 he was recognized for his many years of service to Return Day by being named as the grand marshal of the parade.
In 1999, he was appointed to the Sussex County Planning and Zoning Commission by Sussex County Council, serving until 2005. He was affectionately known as “Mr. Street Lights and Sidewalks."
During his military career and after retirements, the general enjoyed extensive travel throughout the U.S. and Europe with his family and to his many reunions with his 16th Armored Division Association.
General/Mayor Johnson was active in many organizations over the years, including president of League of Local Governments and founding member and president of the Sussex County Association of Towns, Georgetown/Millsboro Lions Club, Georgetown Little League, Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, Delaware Community Action Agency, quartermaster of the VFW, American Legion, Retired National Guard Officer's Association, Return Day Committee, Georgetown Historical Society, Historic Georgetown Association and "Resort Poker League" where in recent years he thoroughly enjoyed playing Texas Hold-Em with his many friends.
He is predeceased by his parents: Floyd Sr. and Ethel (Coffin) Johnson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Eleanor; his granddaughter Lauren E. Johnson; his brother Floyd "Scappy" Johnson Jr; and his son-in-law Michael Dennis.
He is greatly missed by his sons George Layton Johnson and Michael B. Johnson (life partner Linda Sullivan); daughters Sharon L. Johnson of Baltimore, Md., and Becky Johnson Dennis (fiancé Steve Houston); three grandchildren, Sydney Taylor Dennis, who was like a third daughter and the Apple of his Eye, Billie N. Criswell (husband-Daren), and Luke Nichols (fiancée-Becca Halverson); and two great-grandchildren, Micah Nichols, and Ruby Criswell. He is also survived by his sister, Eleanor Messick (husband Todd); and many nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and -nephews and his granddogs.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6 until 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 20, in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 609 E. Market St., Georgetown. A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 21, at Grace United Methodist Church, E. Market St. and S. King St., Georgetown.
Contributions may also be made to Georgetown Little League and or Georgetown Parks and Recreation.
