Grant Aaron Naylor

HAMILTON - Grant crossed over to be on greener hunting grounds on the evening of January 1st surrounded by his family.

Grant was born October 15, 1946 to Dean A Naylor and Opal Drake Naylor of Crow Agency Montana.  He spent his first 18 years working the cattle on the family ranch on the Little Big Horn, attending school in Hardin, working at Safeway.  He graduated from Hardin High School. 

After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy, married Sharon Stimpson, of Lodge Grass, MT and moved to San Diego CA to begin his training as a Navy hospital corpsman.  His home base after his graduation from Hospital Corp school in Alameda, CA was Port Hueneme Naval Hospital where he deployed with Seabee Teams MCB 5, MCB 4, and MCB 40 as their independent duty corpsman.  He was cross rated in heavy equipment.  His career took him to the Philippines, Vietnam, Guam, Ponape and other stations of duty.  He served his county with pride. After 11+ years of service to his country in times of conflict and peace, he was honorably discharged due to injuries sustained on duty.

Grant had planned to make the Navy his lifetime career, however, life turned to a different path.

While stationed in Ponape, Grant met his future wife Vickie.  They were married February of 1973. Together they raised a daughter, Nichele L Naylor-Mott and son, Alexander H Naylor.  Together they lived in Pt Hueneme and Hesperia CA before returning to Montana.  They settled in Hamilton, MT.

Grant worked in landscaping, construction, insurance, heavy equipment, truck driving and as a tow truck driver before his retirement.  His work took him to various spots in Montana and North Dakota.  Whatever the job, he gave his all. He did what it took to get the job done.  He was dedicated to whatever he set his mind to.

Grant enjoyed the outdoors…whether it be hunting, fishing, or camping. The stories told by the campfire reviled a life full of adventures, friends, and many of life’s lessons…a life well lived.

Grant was preceded in death by his parents, Dean A. Naylor and Opal Drake Naylor; his brother, Stanley D. Naylor; and sister, Sylvia N. Naylor Minear.

Grant is survived by his wife of 47 years, Vickie of Hamilton; his sister, Claudean J. Naylor Roehmann of Denver, CO; his daughter, Nichele L. Naylor – Mott and husband Ed Mott of Billings; and son, Alexander H. Naylor of Hamilton. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, Alexander H. Naylor II and wife Shelby and their children AAA, Ryker, and Jamison of Wimbledon, ND; Dean C. Naylor of Denver, CO; Mariah L. Naylor, Laramie, WY; Madison N. Hayes-Naylor, Hamilton, MT; Heather Johnston of Sandy Cove, OR; Anthony  Johnston of Mt. Washington, KY; Danielle Johnston of Billings, MT; and Jennifer Johnston Smith and husband Jay of San Antonio, TX, and their children Kjerish and JD; niece, Michele and husband Jim Taegel of Thornton, CO; nephews, Carl Roehmann, Park City UT, and Raymond Minear and wife Lisa of Boise ID…..all of whom brought Grant great joy and pride.

Grant’s most treasured possessions were his family and friends.  He never met a stranger… He was loyal to his country…his family…and his friends….Please celebrate his life and pay forward his smile and generous spirit.  He will be truly missed.

Abiding by Grant’s wishes, there will be no services. Grant’s ashes will be taken to the Big Horn Mountains in late spring.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.  

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