Final Salute

Grant Aaron Naylor Obituary

Grant crossed over to be on greener hunting grounds on the evening of Jan. 1, surrounded by his family.

Grant was born Oct. 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 U. S. Navy, married Sharon Stimpson, of Lodge Grass, and moved to San Diego, California, to begin his training as a Navy hospital corpsman. His home base after his graduation from Hospital Corps school in Alameda, California, 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 Port Hueneme and Hesperia California, before returning to Montana. They settled in Hamilton.

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.