Delbert William Naylor age 91, of Osawatomie, Kansas died Friday, January 24, 2014 at the Life Care Center of Osawatomie.

Delbert was born December 30, 1922 in Osawatomie, Kansas one of two children born to William Henry and Mary Magdalene (Brandenburger) Naylor.

He attended school in Osawatomie and graduated from Osawatomie High School with the class of 1942.

Delbert went to work for the railroad for a short time working as a railroad shop apprentice in Osawatomie. He then move out to California and was employed by the Vega Aircraft Corp as a clean-up man. He was then called to serve his country during World War II and inducted in to the United States Navy on February 10, 1943 in Kansas City, MO. Delbert was sent to Aviation Metalsmith School in Norman, Oklahoma. He was in the Carrier Aircraft Services Unit 6, Headquarters Squadron Fleet Air Wing 14. He was stationed at the Naval Air Base, in Norfolk, VA and served in the Combat Air Service Unit (F) 48.

During this time Delbert married Frances Earlene Hanlin on January 19, 1945 in San Diego, California. He was then honorably discharged on December 16, 1945 in San Pedro, California.

He and Earlene moved back to Osawatomie and began their life there at 315 Walnut. They became the parents of two children, Steven and Lucia. Delbert went to work as a “Tinner” at the local hardware store, Edmundson Hardware in Osawatomie.

A few short years later, the military called him back to active duty on September 5, 1950 during the Korean War. He was stationed at the Naval Air Station Miramar, in San Diego, CA and honorably discharged December 28, 1952.

He moved his family to Wichita, Kansas in 1953 and began his career with Boeing Aircraft Company. Delbert worked for Boeing Aircraft for thirty-two years retiring in 1983 as a Flight Test Instructor Supervisor.

Delbert and Earlene moved back to Osawatomie in 1987 after his retirement. Frances died on March 23, 1995; the couple had been married for fifty years.

Delbert loved his family. He enjoyed life every day, and all it had to offer. He enjoyed a glass of wine with some good food and friends. He was an excellent craftsman, making anything from an intricate jewelry box to a fully functioning telescope. He enjoyed listening to, and playing, Hawaiian guitar music. Delbert also enjoyed technology. He used a ham radio in his basement for years to keep in touch with people and explore the country. He used his computer to keep in touch via email with family and friends, as well as make homemade holiday cards and keep an eye on the weather. He enjoyed entering car shows throughout the year, and often placed. His granddaughter described him as “An amazing man; witty, kind, hard-working, and easygoing. A great role-model.”

Delbert was a member of the St. Philip Neri Church in Osawatomie, a member of the VFW and the American Legion of Osawatomie, and a member of the BPOE Lodge #921 in Osawatomie.

He was preceded in death by his wife Earlene, his daughter Lucia A. Salomon in 2009 and his brother Richard Eugene Naylor.

Delbert is survived by his son Steven L. Naylor (Carol) of Topeka, KS, four granddaughters: Stephanie Newland, Heather Glenn, Crysta Snow and Lindsay Dutton; several great-grandchildren; his dear friend Mickie Thomas; and many other family and friends.

ALL SERICES WERE HELD AT ST. PHILIP NERI CHURCH IN OSAWATOMIE, TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2014

VISITATION: 10AM

ROSARY PRAYERS: 11AM

SERVICE: 11:15AM

BURIAL: OSAWATOMIE CEMETERY, OSAWATOMIE, KS