Dee Naylor

Dee E. Naylor, age 89, of Scranton, passed away on Jan. 6 following a courageous four-year battle with cancer at his home surrounded by his family.

A private funeral service was held on Jan. 9 at the United Methodist Church in Scranton with the Rev. Joyce Webb officiating.

Casket bearers were Dee’s son, Chris Naylor; son-in-law Jay Ostrander; and grandsons Jason and Justin Ostrander and Courtney Lauffer, Tyler Rohrbeck and Bob Bills.

Honorary casket bearers were Don Egan, Larry Barr, Dennis Mordhorst, Jack Waldo and Jeff Scheffers.

Burial was in the Jefferson Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Scranton. Online condolences may be left for the family at dahnandwoodhouse.com.

Those who wish to send cards and memorials may mail them to: The family of Dee Naylor, 343 250th St., Scranton, IA 51462.

Dee was born on Dec. 26, 1931, on his family’s farm in Greenbrier Twp. near Scranton, and he was the son of Frank and Gladys (Maile) Naylor. He grew up on the farm and graduated from Bayard High School in 1949.

Dee farmed with his father following high school and he was married to Jean Collins on June 5, 1955, at the Presbyterian Church in Jefferson. The couple farmed in Greenbrier for a short time and then to Scranton, where they farmed and raised their family.

Dee had the heart of a farmer who truly believed farmers don’t retire, they just fade away.  

He was a master hog producer, scout leader and gave dance lessons for 20 years with his wife, Jean. Dee and Jean were king and queen of the Iowa Polka Club and traveled to many dances following their favorite bands.

He enjoyed the company of all his friends and time that was spent together at dances and on vacations. Dee and Jean videoed many weddings for friends. He loved to share stories and jokes.  Anyone who spent time with him knew his “Dog Jaw” joke, which was his favorite.

Dee loved watching his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in sports and special events. After their children graduated, they spent part of their winters in Mesa, Ariz., with friends and relatives. It gave him great joy to be with his family. 

Dee is survived by his wife, Jean, of Scranton; son Chris Naylor (Karla), of Scranton; daughter Debra Ostrander (Jay), of Jefferson; five grandchildren: Alisha Lauffer (Courtney), Jenny Rohrbeck (Tyler), Nicole Bills (Bob), Jason Ostrander (Hannah) and Justin Ostrander (fiance, Laynne Flinn); 11 great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Dr. James Collins (Linda), of Ankeny; and several nieces and nephews.

Dee was preceded in death by parents Frank and Gladys Naylor; his father- and mother-in-law, Wilber and Irene “Tillie” Collins; a sister, Jean Taylor (Herb); a brother, Russell Naylor (Evelyn); and a sister-in-law, Joan Allen (John).

Contact Us

Jefferson Bee & Herald
Address: 200 N. Wilson St.
Jefferson, IA 50129

Phone:(515) 386-4161