Richard D. "Gator" Layton, 62, a resident of Crisfield for the past 12 years and formerly of Hebron and Rockville, died on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at the McCready Memorial Hospital in Crisfield.

Born in Washington, D.C. he was the son of the late Ivan Martin Layton and Mary Taylor Layton. His wife, Lynne Edwards Layton, preceded him in death.

He was a cook at the Washington Hotel Inn in Princess Anne and was a disc jockey for several radio stations on the Eastern Shore. He enjoyed drawing, reading, cooking, and collecting movies. His love was his music. He wrote several songs and was a singer for the local band "Cotton Mouth", who performed throughout Delmarva.

Surviving is his companion, Kay Welch, of Crisfield; two children, Renee French and Brian Layton, both of Tennessee; three brothers, Thomas, Norman, and Neil Layton; a brother-in-law and good friend, Tim Edwards of Bethesda, MD; and two grandchildren. Also surviving is his band members who were like brothers, Thomas and John Sullivan, Buddy Ward, and Frank Clemente.

Come help us celebrate the life of a "Gator" on Sunday, April 26, 2009, at the American Legion Post #16 in Crisfield from 2 PM until dusk.

Donations in his memory may sent c/o BB&T Bank, 257 N. Somerset Avenue, Crisfield, MD 21817.

To send condolences to the family please visit www.bradshawandsonsfuneralhome.com