Jerry J. Naylor Nov. 14, 1926-July 1, 2017

     Jerry J. Naylor, 90, of Scotch Grove, Iowa, a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, made his final landing in the arms of Jesus on Saturday, July 1, 2017. Visitation will be on Friday, July 7, 2017 from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories Stateroom, 4200 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

     On Saturday, July 8, 2017, a memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. at Community of Christ Church, 1500 Blairs Ferry Rd., Hiawatha, Iowa. Friends may visit at 10:30 a.m. (one hour prior to the memorial service).

     A celebration of Jerry’s Life will be held in Monticello, Iowa at a later date.

     Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Betty of Scotch Grove, Iowa; four children, a daughter Coleen Rapier of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and her children, Justin (Valery) Rapier of Fairfax, Iowa and Renée (Edmundo Ruiz) Rapier of Walnut Creek, Calif.; a daughter, Gayle (Kevin) Stingley of Monticello, Iowa, and their children, Jessica Stingley of Coralville; Jenna (Tyler) Pedersen of Arvada, Colo.; and Shelby Stingley of Coralville, Iowa; a son, David (Kelli) Naylor of Monticello, Iowa; and their children, Dustin (Annie) Farber of Dubuque, Iowa; Britni Farber of Dubuque, Iowa; Nick (Stephanie) Farber of Dubuque, Iowa; Brittany, Dawson, and Jaxson Naylor all of Monticello, Iowa; and a daughter, Diane Naylor of Fairfield, Iowa; plus 13 great-grandchildren; a brother, Jack Naylor of Burlington, Iowa; and his beloved flying companion, Jasmine (a Goldendoodle).

     He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Pearl Naylor and siblings, Ray “Dick” Naylor, Carol Meier, Lois Butters, Connie Stephens, and Laurel Oppelt.

     Jerry J. Naylor was born on Nov. 14, 1926 in Center Junction, Iowa, son of Ray and Pearl (Anway) Naylor. He graduated from Monticello High School and then attended Iowa State University. He proudly served in the United States Air Force. Jerry married the love of his life Betty McDonald on May 3, 1952 in Rock Island, Ill. He was a long time member of the Camp Courageous Board, AOPA, Shriners, and served as President of the Monticello Rotary Club, Iowa Seed Association, and Iowa Crop Improvement Association. Jerry, along with his son David, owned and operated Naylor Seed Company in Scotch Grove, Iowa.

     Jerry loved traveling with his wife Betty and spending time with his family. He earned his pilot’s license in 1947 and for over 70 years enjoyed flying his numerous airplanes. Every year, Jerry and Betty looked forward to flying their Piper Aztec to the Hacienda de los Santos Club Pilotos Reunion in Alamos, Mexico.

     As a founding member of the El Kahir Shrine Flying Fez unit, Jerry flew children to Shriners Hospitals for Children throughout the U.S. for over 30 years. He was an avid contender in the Flying Fez spot landing and cross country contests. Jerry also enjoyed racing stock cars, skydiving, fishing in Canada, and snow skiing in Colorado. Jerry was competitive, determined, innovative, and honorable with an amazing spirit about him. Jerry’s character always brought joy and laughter, which is why so many people loved him. His smile was infectious. Jerry’s endless compassion drove him to help others unconditionally. Most importantly, nothing compared to the love Jerry had for his family, his faith in God, and living life to its fullest. He will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed.

     Your memories of Jerry are precious to the family. Please feel free to bring a story/memory to share, write or record, as there will be a designated area at both locations with supplies provided. If you are unable to attend, please share your story/memory at JerryNaylorMemories@gmail.com.

     In Jerry’s memory, the family would like to encourage donations, in lieu of flowers, to a charity of your choice or to the following organizations: Camp Courageous of Iowa, El Kahir Shriners, or the Community of Christ Church.

     Online condolences for the family can be shared at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.