Norman J. Layton, 86, of Westport, passed away at 8:05 p.m. on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at his residence. He was born on March 26, 1939, in Decatur County, the son of Earl and Marietta (Hessler) Layton. He was a lifelong resident of Decatur County. He graduated from Sandcreek High School, received his Bachelor’s degree from Franklin College and his Master’s from Indiana University. He retired in 2000 after 35 years of teaching at Jackson Township High School and South Decatur High School. Norman loved golf, fishing, hunting, reading and cross words. He was a member of the Westport Masonic Lodge #52 F.A. & M. He married Betty Ruth Bussberg on June 30, 1960, at the Union Baptist Church, she preceded him in death on April 13, 2024. He is survived by his sons, Robert Earl Layton, Anthony Wade Layton both of Westport and Kevin Michael (Jill) Layton of Franklin; his sisters, Betty Gatewood of Westport and Helen Graue of Greensburg; his grandchildren: Isaac, Luke and Samantha Layton. Norman was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Judy Cheryl Layton and his brother, James Earl Layton. The funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Bass & Gasper Funeral Home in Westport. Burial will follow at the Westport Cemetery. A time of visitation will be held on September 18, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. until time of service at 2:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Westport Masonic Lodge through the funeral home. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.bassgasper.com
