Spc. Layton Michael David Abbott
February 13, 2001 - September 10, 2022
Layton was born on February 13, 2001, in Indianapolis, Indiana, the son of Michael Abbott Jr. and Gabriel Leeann (Hobbs) Abbott. Layton attended Calvary Baptist Church in Brazil, IN and enjoyed going to youth group. At the age of 5, he asked Jesus to come into his heart. He grew up in Brazil, IN and graduated from Northview High School with the class of 2019. Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Army where he has served for the past 3 years.
Layton joined the United States Army June 6th, 2019, and attended Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. After accomplishing his first goal of graduating Basic Combat Training he proceeded to Fort Huachuca, AZ for Advanced Individual Training to gain the knowledge needed to become a qualified Unmanned Aircraft Systems Maintainer (15E) specializing in the Shadow RQ-7B V2 system. Here he would set himself above his peers by earning the title of Distinguished Honor Grad, an honor not lightly given. Following the completion of all required training in January 2020 SPC Abbott was assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina with A TRP 1-17 Cavalry (CAV). With A TRP SPC Abbott began to sharpen his skills as a 15E and again set himself above his peers by quickly becoming one of the most proficient maintainers in the Troop. SPC Abbott was selected to be one of the key essential maintainers to attend the 2020 Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) rotation where he had a direct impact on mission success. Shortly after returning from JRTC, he played an intricate role in Fox Troops success consolidating all three UAS Line Troops into the 82nd Airborne Divisions only consolidated UAS troop responsive to the 82nd Airborne Division’s no notice, worldwide deployment mission.
SPC Abbott directly impacted F TRP’s overall readiness by successfully launching and recovering over 40 RQ-7B V2 Shadow systems during multiple Squadron level Gunnery exercises and Troop level flight operations. Throughout his Military career SPC Abbott was a top performer in all areas of UAS maintenance and was chosen over multiple NCOs to complete duties well above his rank, but well within his God given leadership abilities. During SPC Abbott’s three years of honorable service he was awarded the Army Aviation Aircrew Badge, Army Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal and Marksmanship Badge.
Layton had an adventurous personality and was a risk taker. He loved trying new things. Layton loved riding his motorcycle, mudding in his Jeep, playing video games, and more recently cliff diving. He also loved music, animals, and being outdoors, fishing, camping, going to the beach, and sleeping under the stars.
Layton loved serving his country and he loved his military family.
Layton has a dry, off the wall sense of humor. He couldn’t be taken seriously and loved to have a good time with friends and family.
Layton is survived by his parents: Michael and Leeann Abbott; his sisters Alexa Abbott and Jenny Balzer (Doug Gardner); a brother PFC Jaxon Abbott of Camp Pendleton, California; paternal grandparents: Pastor Michael Abbott and wife Diana, Judy Crowell and husband Bill; maternal grandparents Gene and Becki Hobbs; great-grandmother Betty Burris; aunts and uncles: Kim Roseboom (Luke), Kendra Abbott, Christy Miller (Zach), David Hobbs (Haley), and Kelly Routon (Bennie): cousins who he adored: Gavin, Annabelle, Wesley, Kortney, Audrey, Kamden, Emerson, Isabella, Lincoln, Finley, Weston, Kole, Brooks, Beckett, Kallan, Carter, Logan, Bentley, Amelia, Noelle, and Charlotte; and his beloved dog Willow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Clay Youth Food Program 225 E. Kruzan St. Brazil, Indiana 47834
Visitation will be held at Lawson Miller Chapel 1702 E. National Ave. on Friday, September 23, 2022, from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Services will be held on Saturday, at the funeral home, at 2:00 PM with Pastor Al Ray officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at Union Cemetery.
