A Great Man Lost

Go rest high on that mountain
Art, your work on earth is done
Go to heaven a shoutin’
Love for the Father and Son

Oh, how we cried the day you left us
We gathered round your grave to grieve
I wish I could see the angels faces
When they hear your sweet voice sing

Go rest high on that mountain
Art, you work on earth is done
Go to heaven a shoutin’
Love for the Father and Son

I feel terrible for not making the time to visit Art Naylor in the hospital. And due to my procrastination I missed the opportunity to tell a man who was partly responsible for mine, and many others graduations, how much I appreciated all that he did. I don’t know how to feel right now. He’s gone.

Gone but not forgotten.

Mr. Naylor affected all of us that graduated from Union while he was there, he looked out for each and every student. I am not afraid to say that I loved him for taking care of us like no other faculty member did. My heart goes out to his family. I grew up playing baseball with his son Josh, and I knew Jared as well. They both will need prayers to help them cope with this tremendous loss.

I really don’t know what else to say…. I’m just at a loss.

You will be missed and the world is a lesser place without you, Art.

NAYLOR — Arthur O., 58, passed away early Friday, December 23, 2005. Born in Tulsa OK, on December 6, 1947, he was preceded in death by: father and mother, James Lloyd and Helen L. Naylor, and his best friend and brother, Jimmie H. Naylor. He leaves behind his wife of 31 years, Michelle; daughter, Erin and husband, Carey Velez; and 2 sons, James Joshua, and John Jared Naylor. Also left behind are sister, Helen Scott and husband, Richard; aunt and uncle, Ralph and Betty Glass; sister-in-law, Carolyn; cousin, John Goines and family; cousin, Gay Haines and husband, Randy; nephew, Gary Naylor and wife, Keely, and Baby Kate; niece, Jennifer Naylor; nephews, Darrell and Shannon Minnick; as well as many loved and special friends. Art graduated from Nathan Hale High School in Tulsa in 1966. He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, OK. His lifelong career in education began in 1972 in Coweta, OK. In 1980, he moved to Union Public Schools, where he served as a Secondary Administrator for the past 25 years. He touched the lives of thousands of students throughout his career, and the world is a better place because of his example. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Art Naylor Scholarship Fund for evening and summer academy students at Union. Call 459-5432 for details. The Art Naylor Family Memorial Fund has also been established at the Bank of Oklahoma for his children’s educational expenses. Memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, December 30, 2005, at Asbury United Methodist Church, 6767 S. Mingo, Tulsa, OK. Moore’s Southlawn, 663-2233.
Published in the Tulsa World on 12/28/2005.