Little League® International mourns the passing of Bruce Layton, a longtime volunteer of the program from the grassroots level to the Senior League Softball World Series in Lower Sussex, Delaware.
A board member at Lower Sussex (Del.) Little League for more than 30 years, which included a 21-year stint as League President, Layton’s heart was dedicated to his community.
During his tenure as League President, he and the board expanded the Lower Sussex Little League complex within the community, leading to its selection as the host for the Big League Softball World Series (which concluded in 2016) as well as the Senior League Softball World Series (SLSWS), where the event remains today. In coordination with current SLSWS Tournament Director, Martin Donovan, Layton assisted with the hosting of both events during their time in Delaware, providing Girls with Game from around the world with memories they would never forget.
Today, one of the fields that continues to be utilized by the SLSWS participants, and is broadcast on ESPN Platforms each year, is named in Layton’s honor. Recently, his granddaughter, Mia, had the opportunity to play an All-Star game on that field — Bruce Layton Field — which is the chosen field for the World Series and championship games.
Layton married Arlene Knox on May 11, 1974, and had three children: Brian, who was born on his birthday, and twins Brooks and Amy. Layton 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 include his wife of 51 years, Arlene; children Brian Layton (and Lisa), Brooks Layton (and Christy) and Amy Kernodle (and Wil); two granddaughters, Katlyn Moore and Mia Marie Kernodle; his brother A.J. Lathbury (and Kelley); sister-in-law Mary Jane Townsend; and brother-in-law Roger G. Knox (and Sue).