David Lee Naylor, age 77, died at the Community Springs Healthcare Facility in El Dorado Springs on March 14, 2018. Dave was born in Nashua, MO on August 4, 1940 to Lowell Allen Naylor and Ellen Mae (Ray) Naylor. His family later moved to Gashland, MO where Dave grew up and went to school. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. After three years of serving his country as a helicopter mechanic in Germany, he received an honorable discharge. After his military service, he went to heavy equipment operator school in Chicago, IL. Upon completion of his training, he received his certification to be a heavy equipment operator, which became his lifelong occupation. He was also a proud member of Operating Engineers Local 101 in Kansas City. Later, he was married to Joyce Whitton and unto this marriage came two children, a daughter, Kimberley, and a son, Kenneth.
After Dave’s retirement, he moved to El Dorado Springs, MO. He loved maps and began traveling all the back roads that he could to get wherever he wanted to go. Dave also didn’t like the cold winters in Missouri so he began wintering in Arizona for many years. He also made a trip to Panama to see the Panama Canal and made two month-long trips to New Zealand where he enjoyed mingling with the people and learning about their way of life. His hobby was buying and selling just about anything!
Dave was preceded in death by both parents and one brother, Mark. He is survived by brother, Ray (Carole) sister, Debbie (Steve), daughter, Kim (Jason) grandson, Steven, and son Kenneth.
Dave had lots of friends who called him “one of a kind” and often commented that they never knew anyone quite like him in their life. His gruff exterior would eventually give way to his generous heart and teasing nature. He liked helping others but he definitely didn’t want the credit or for him to owe someone else! So, it was hard to ever return the favor. He was loved by many and will be missed!
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