Alfred R. Layton of Seaford passed away peacefully after a brief stay at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford on Saturday, March 2, 2024. He was born on May 5, 1921 in Laurel to the late Effie and Walter Layton. Alfred was the youngest of six siblings.
He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Everett Layton and Gray Layton as well as three sisters, Edna Allen, Ruth Dean, and Nora Lee Calloway.
Alfred attended Jordan Technical & Engineering School in PA and was employed with the E.I. DuPont company in Wilmington. While employed he also attended Brown Vocational and Engineering School, Wilmington, for a couple years and then enlisted in the U.S. Army (163rd Signal Photo Corps) in which he served four years abroad during World War II. His tour of duty included Italy, France, Germany, and Africa.
Upon his return, he became a successful business owner, land investor, and park creator for many years until retirement. He was a past president of the Laurel Lions Club and a lifelong member of the American Legion Post 19 as well as co-founder of the Delaware National Bank currently known as Fulton Bank. He enjoyed boating, motorhome traveling, swimming and dancing as a member of the Cotillion Club especially the “polka”. He will always be remembered by his quick wit and humor amongst many friends and his amazing “youthfulness” and vigor. Alfred’s constant companion whom he loved dearly was “Jitterbug” his black lab dog who was always by his side (a rescue from Brandywine Valley SPCA) for many years until a few years ago and was greatly missed. His current companion “Murphy” the cat stuck with him like glue as well.
Alfred is survived by his son Byard Layton (Phyllis) of Seaford, and two daughters, Donna Miller (Richard) of Seaford, and Fran Layton of Seaford. Alfred also had an adopted daughter Louise Allen (Freddie) of Laurel. Additionally, he is survived by four grandchildren including Chris Layton (Debbie) of Delmar, Chad Layton (Kelly) of Seaford, Jody Miller Whitby (John) of Milton, and Joshua Miller (Jamie) of Seaford. Alfred has ten great-grandchildren, Alexis, Hailey, Hannah, Brendon, Lila, Adam, Samantha, Austin, Luke, and Sophia. He has one great-great-granddaughter Ember. Alfred was preceded in death by his wife Dorotha B. Layton in 1992 and his wife Suzanne Layton in 2022. He is survived additionally by Suzanne’s two sons Scott Lynch (Cindy) of Laurel, Douglas Lynch (Becky) of Delmar, and daughter Jennifer Nack (Debbie) of Milford.
A graveside ceremony will be held at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Laurel on April 6 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in Mr. Layton’s honor to: Brandywine Valley SPCA, 22918 Dupont Blvd., Georgetown, DE, Laurel American Legion Post 19, 12188 Laurel Rd., Laurel, DE 19956, or Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963, or the Laurel Fire Department, 205 W. Tenth Street, Laurel, DE 19956.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hsdfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel.