Billy Layton

Billy J. Layton, 85, of Mulberry, passed away Thursday, March 21, 2024, at his home on Gas Line Road.  He was born September 5, 1938, in a log cabin east of Mulberry Clinton County to Donald and Ida (Merrill) Layton, Sr.  That log cabin was used by the Bicentennial Committee to construct a pioneer schoolhouse at Mulberry Centennial Park.  Bill attended Mulberry School.  He married Lora Smith on December 26, 1965, at Tabernacle Methodist Church in Frankfort, she survives.

Bill farmed most of his life raising shorthorn cattle.  In his teen years, he worked for local farmers baling hay.  He worked at Harris Popcorn, Carr Cabinet and operated a construction business and built his own home.  He worked 31 years at Federal Mogul as a tool and die maker.  He later moved RVs for Quality Drive-away and moved auction cars for Indiana Car Exchange.  He also hauled livestock for local farmers for 28 years.  He supported 4-H by hauling 4-H’ers livestock to the county fair.  He served in the United States Army Reserves from 1961-1967.

Bill was a former Shorthorn Association member, a Shorthorn Director several years for IBEP, a member of the Clinton County Antique Machinery Club and Lafayette Indiana Historic Auto Club.  He loved his 1928 Model A.  Bill enjoyed rodeos, NASCAR, watching comedy and western movies and YouTube videos.  He was proud of his children and grandchildren.  He could be found making hundreds of trips to sporting events for his grandkids.

Along with his wife of 58 years, Bill is survived by his sister, Sue Good; daughter, Deborah Hyde of Arkansas; son, Brian (Sam) Layton of Wolcott; grandsons, Bradley, Jacob (Amanda), Ethan (Cheyenne), Andrew (Kayla), and Isaac Layton; granddaughters, MaKenzie Layton, Sylvia (Seth) Kaspar, and Kie Hyde; great grandchildren, Cheyenne Layton, Jonathan and Naomi Kasper, Evangeline Smith, Clayton, Jensen, and baby boy Layton (due in April).

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Jesse, John (Geneva) and Donald (Maxine) Layton, Jr., Phyllis (Robert) Douglass and Irma (Charles) Schiery; son-in-law, Doug Hyde; and brother-in-law, Robert Good.

Visitation will be held Monday, March 25, 2024, from 10am until the time of the service at 12pm at Day & Genda Funeral Home ~ Mulberry Chapel.  Pastor Kevin Smith will officiate.  Burial will follow at Bunnell Cemetery in Frankfort.  Memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s honor to Mulberry United Methodist Church.  Messages of condolence may be left at www.dayandgenda.com.