Kenneth L Layton

Kenneth L. Layton, 89 of Greenwood, passed away at home on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026 with his wife by his side. He was the son of the late, Carlton and Beulah Layton.

Kenneth was raised on a farm in Staytonville, DE. He graduated from Milford High School in 1955. A Conscientious Objector, he fulfilled his conscription obligation after high school with two years of Brethren Volunteer Service. He first helped make physical improvements to row houses in inner city Baltimore, and later worked at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Maryland, sorting and packing clothing and other donations for disaster response.

After Brethren Volunteer Service, Ken attended Bridgewater College in Virginia, graduating in 1963. While at Bridgewater, Ken took a summer job with a painter to help pay for his college expenses. Ken was retained in that job because of his high-quality work, and the owner knew he could be trusted to work alone. Ken took post graduate classes at the University of Delaware, and attended the National Science Foundation Summer Institute at Nebraska-Wesleyan University.

He married Elda in 1969, and their marriage was admired by all who knew them. Very few couples have personified their marriage vows more strongly and completely. The kindness and tenderness that they showed to each other was an example to all who were privileged to see it. They both always put the needs and feelings of their spouse above their own.

Ken’s career path took him to Caesar Rodney High School where he taught 9th grade Physical Science for 27 years. He then taught science at Greenwood Mennonite School for another 8 years. After retirement, Ken returned to Caesar Rodney as a substitute for 5 years.

Volunteerism was very important to Ken and he served actively in the Bethany Church of the Brethren, Farmington as a Sunday School teacher, board member and Deacon. He also devoted many years to volunteering at Camp Mardela in Denton, MD.

Ken was an excellent saxophone player, and won many accolades for his ping pong playing, earning the title of dorm champ in college. Not one to sit around, he spent many hours gardening, was an avid photographer, bowled on a league, and enjoyed playing an occasional round of golf.

Described as a man of faith, a man of nature, and a man of science; Ken never met a stranger and enjoyed talking and sharing his knowledge with everyone he met. He will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.

In addition to his parents, Ken is preceded in death by his siblings Ted Layton, Mildred Melvin, and David Layton.

Ken dearly loved his family. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Elda Layton; children, Gregory S. Layton (Kate), Karl E. Layton (Tammy), Bruce A Layton (Stacey); grandchildren, Josh Layton (Violet), Stephen Layton, Emily Layton, Christian Layton; great grandchildren, Jude Kenneth Layton, Rory Layton; brother Paul Layton (Revonda); sister-in-law Elizabeth Layton, and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Bethany Church of the Brethren, 91 School St. Farmington, DE 19950 or Camp Mardela, PO Box 460, Denton, MD 21629 (https://www.campmardela.org/donate).

Graveside services will be private. A public Celebration of Life service will be scheduled and posted at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home, Inc, Harrington, DE.