In loving memory of

Mike Layden
December 31, 1969 - December 31, 1969

Francis Louis ?Mike? Layden, 94 of Indianapolis passed away November 16, 2007. Mike was retired from Indiana Bell Telephone Co. where he was the public relations manager for 42 years. Mike graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1936 where he played right half back in the ?Game of the Century?, the 40 point underdog against Ohio State winning the game with a score 18 to 13. He was a big ten football official from 1937 to 1965 and a 12 year liaison official for Associated Colleges of Indiana for 12 years. Mike also graduated from Davenport (IW) High School and Milford (CT) Prep School with Honors and All America Mention. On September 9, 1950 he married Mary Ellen Foresman who preceded him in death along with his daughter, Susan Garner and Mike?s first wife, Jane Hvitfelt Layden. He was a charter member of St. Luke Catholic Church where he was chairman of the Gift Giving for the new church and was an Usher for many years. He wan a member of the Knights of Columbus St. Pius X Council, Notre Dame Monogram Club, Pioneers of America, Meridian Hills Country Club, Indiana Symphony Society where was Past Board member, member of the CYO Public relations advisory committee where he was awarded the St. John Bosco Medal in 2004, Indianapolis Zoo and was the Chairman of the Major Gifts, Public Relations Society of America and was Past Board member, Notre Dame Alumnus and was Man of the Year in Indianapolis and member of the Assembly Club, past Chairman of the National Notre Dame Alumni Association and inducted in the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 1977.
Mike was born on August 25, 1913 in Davenport Iowa to the late Thomas Francis and Rose Bartermeyer Layden. He is survived by his children; Sara Molen of Augusta GA and Peter M. Layden of Cedar Rapids IW, along with 6 grandchildren and o14 great grandchildren.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday November 20, 2007 at 10:00 am at St. Luke Catholic Church, with family and friends gathering on Monday November 19, 2007 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm in the Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel. You are invited to visit the web site www.leppertmortuary.com where you may share a personal memory of Mike, sign the guest book, order flowers or make a memorial gift to, St. Luke Catholic church, CYO or the University of Notre Dame.

Tributes

Dee and Keith Martin wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Mike was a good friend for many years. His sparklingpersonality enabled him to excel at community and college relations for Indiana 'Bell, and his athleticabilities kept him competitive on tennis courts and golf courses for a long time. Mike's life reflectedhis religious faith."

Jolee Garis wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Mr. Layden became my friend when he was an OASIS tutor for some of my first grade students at Spring Mill Elementary School. He was always ready to listen to them read and to listen to them talk. He was a great storyteller. He was well loved by the children he tutored. It was a sad time for us when he was unable to continue coming. I will always remember the twinkle in his eyes."

Ed Powell wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"We offer our prayers for Mike. Read his OB,web site Indystar. We can add his words, ED," I have the best after my days of refereeing, now I wiil be throwing the flag for TV commercial timeouts on TV". He looked great! Our prayers and blessing to the family GOD BLESS to ALL. ED POWELL"

John and Mary Ann Grogan wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"We enjoyed Mike so much as on Sunday mornings when he was ushering at St. Luke's he and John would always compare sports opinions about the Notre Dame football game the day before-this was a rough year for all fans. We loved his zest for life and his interest in our family."

Kathy Cookerly wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Mike invited me to lunch one day to talk about "the depth of the Zoo"! He was fascinated with the conservation/research aspect of what happens. He loved knowing families could enjoy the Zoo along with animals around the world benefitting! Love the photo of Mike....his smile & jest are things I won't forget...as well as being such a gentleman!With regards to the family, Kathy Stephenson Cookerly"

Mary Kay Hollinden wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"I started work at the Associated Colleges of Indiana in 1984. I had not been there long when I had the pleasure of meeting Mike Layden. As time went by we became better acquainted. The Laydens were Father Charles Banet's guests at The Indiana Academy annual event and we enjoyed many Academy dinners together at the Indianapolis Athletic Club. Mike touched my life in a very special way when in 1989 my husband died suddenly. I never forgot his kindness at that difficult time. In the early 90's Mike, Mary Ellen & I were all on the same trip to Ireland. They were good friends and invited me out to thecountry club for brunch on several occasions. We would meet at their house and Mike would do the driving from there. And when I would get ready to leave he would go to the end of the driveway and direct me to the road. Mike was a gentleman and they were a special couple!"

David McGill wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

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Bill and Susan Hebert wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Mike was our neighbor when we lived on Bryn Mawr Dr.He was a wonderful neighbor and a very sweet man. Wecould always count on Mike for a big smile and a kind word. We recalled one time several winters ago when the kids were waiting on the bus which was late due to snow. Mike loaded them all up in his car and drove them to school rather than have them wait out in the cold. He always did kindnesses like that for the neighbors. He will be greatly missed. We extend our sympathy to your family."

Holly Hapak Betz wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Your father is quite a memory in my Catholic upbringing at St. Luke's. He knew my father and I remember well his cheerful smile and hearty handshake when we came into Mass each Sunday. My condolences and prayers are with you in this time of sadness. Holly Hapak Betz"

Paul Petrotta wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"A BELATED Happy Birthday to you, Mike!I will always remember and cherish the special thoughts of yours in acknowledging my birthdays and those of so many others in the Bell Family throughout the years.It was your outward friendliness that touched me. Peace and God's Special Love be to you and Mary Ellen...paulps I"m sure Bob Smith and Spence are sharing Bell stories with you now!"

Chris, Hayden, Kendall and McClain Bishop wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"We moved into the neighborhood in 1996, I first met Mike Layden as he was out and about the neighborhood. He waved me down and we talked for a bit. I asked him what he was doing and he replied, well I am delivering the mail to some of the "older folks". I remember thinking how kind that was of him to take time to take care of his neighbors. He began to deliver our mail and we began to get to know each other on our front porch. My children, who were young at that time, thought it was neat to have the postman deliver the mail to the front door. From then on Mike was known as "the postman". Everytime we left our house, if Mike was out my children would say "there's the postman". He was always out waving to neighbors, smiling his huge smile, and giving you a thumbs up! It took a couple of years for my children to realize that he was not really the postman but to us he will always be "the postman". I enjoyed having Mike volunteer at the Election site and at Orchard In Bloom. He was always there to lend a helping to anyone who needed it. He always greeted you with that big smile, a huge hug and a kiss on the cheek. He was such a gentleman! He was and is deeply missed in the neighborhood!"

Erik Jansson wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Although I only spent several hours with him, his enthusiasm for life was quite apparent. My mother Elaine, my sister Marilyn and I had made the trip to Indianapolis to meet my grandfathers cousin, Mike. He was so tolerant of us, as we asked endless questions about details of his childhood in Davenport, his football career, and his relationships with family and friends. He really loved people, and judging by the comments written above, people loved him as well. He was a beautiful man who lived his life well!"

Judy Kinnear Hamilton wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Mike and MaryEllen have both been wonderful friends of mine and of my parents, Margaret & Kenny Kinnear, for many years! There are many wonderful memories of times all together at Lake Wawasee! Memorial Day and Labor Days were special times we were all there together! Friendships and memories are so special and Mary Ellen and Mike have been a very important part of my life! How blessed I have been to have know them! They chared their love of life with all those around them!With the passage of time, I feel privileged to have been able to visit with Mike at Sunrise at Willow Lake where my Mother lives at present. I also feel blessed to have had the opportunity to re-kindle by acquaintance with Peter and Sara! Amazing the paths life follows! Also , how wonderful, Mike and Mary Ellen are together again!I feel honored to have known them!"

Virginia Mosbaugh Horne wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Mike (and Mary Ellen) were wonderful neighbors during my childhood-- so kind, cheerful, giving & caring. Mike always seemed to have a smile on his face--what a "joy-spreader" he was! He will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you."

Sue Arnold wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"I have fond memories of seeing Mike and Mary Ellen with my dear friends Jane and Tev Spencer, and in later years, with Jane and Ed Hixon. Such long lasting friendships were truly special. Mike and Mary Ellen were especially kind and thoughtful towards Jane and Tev''s daughter Ann, who continuted to adore Mike until his death and I believe helped plan his birthday party at his assisted living facility, and "toddled over" from hers. Like many people I have met late in life, I had no idea of the range and depth of his accomplishements. What a guy!!Sue Arnold, Indianapolis Museum of Art"