Ben Oliver Naylor passed away peacefully at home in Washington, Oklahoma, on August 25, 2022, at the age of 83 years 3 months 5 days. Graveside services were held Monday, August 29, 2022, at Hillside Cemetery in Purcell, entrusted to the care of Wadley’s Funeral Service. Online condolences may be made at www.wadleysfuneralservice.com.
Ben was born May 20, 1939, to Hank and Hazel (Howard) Naylor in Ninnekah, Oklahoma. He was raised in Dibble, graduating from Dibble Public Schools in 1957. Ben briefly attended OU and OCU.
He met the love of his life, Willena Barrett, while attending school at Dibble, and the couple was united in marriage on March 28, 1959, in Tabler, Oklahoma. They were married 63 beautiful years and together they had three children, Denny, Penny, and Kenny.
Ben provided for his family by driving trucks and farming. His favorite by far was farming and raising cattle. Ben enjoyed car races and before becoming part owner and flagmen at I-35 Speedway, he co-owned a car and loved watching it race. Ben was a proud member and 32nd degree in the Masonic lodge of Washington, Oklahoma.
He loved fishing, picking up parts for Keith’s Automotive, going to the feed store for a coke, and serving at New Hope Baptist Church. What brought him the greatest joy was being a Papa and a Great Papa. Ben enjoyed every moment that he got to spend with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Ben was preceded in death by his parents, Hazel and T.M. (Hank) Naylor; and sister, Frieda Mae.
Survivors include his wife, Willena Naylor, of Washington; his three children, Denny Naylor of Washington, Penny Barnett of Washington and Kenny Naylor and wife, Michelle, of Meeker; his four grandchildren, Jennifer Cooper and husband, Jerriett, of Newcastle, Holly Naylor of Meeker, Hannah Naylor of Meeker and Kaleb Naylor of Meeker; his three great-grandchildren, Bakari Cooper of Newcastle, Princeton Ladore of Meeker and Sekani Cooper of Newcastle; his sister, Frances Alsup of Washington; and many more loving family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial contributions be sent to either the Washington Masonic Lodge or the New Hope Baptist Church Youth Fund.
