Russell "Rusty" Gene Naylor

Russell “Rusty” Gene Naylor, 71, of Lorena, Texas, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 31, 2026.

Born Sept. 4, 1954, in Wichita Falls, Texas, to Mitzi Jean Hunter Naylor and Harvey Gene Naylor, Rusty graduated from Wichita Falls High School. He learned the value of hard work at an early age, and at just 17, joined the United States Marine Corps, where he served his country with honor.

Rusty later built a career as a skilled machinist and welder, working with his hands and caring for his family with quiet strength, grit and determination. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend whose life was marked by love, sacrifice and faith. Above all, Rusty adored his children and committed his life to giving them more — more opportunity, more security and a love they will carry with them always.

Rusty had a passion for music and enjoyed playing the guitar and harmonica. He was also a lifelong learner and avid reader who found joy in spending time at the library, riding and working on his bicycles, caring for animals and keeping up with the news of the world. His life was filled with simple but meaningful joys: songs, stories, family and the satisfaction of a hard day’s work.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, Jessie Cheryl Naylor; his children, Jennifer Naylor Gesick, Elizabeth Naylor and Andrew Naylor; his grandchildren, Abigael Gesick, Blaise Gesick, Raylee Dareing, Lane Merritt and Landry Merritt; his siblings, Patti “PJ” Wood and her husband, Baron, Kathy Naylor, Tim Naylor and his wife, Ruth, and Melissa Poling and her husband, Jay; his uncle, P.E. “Jack” Hunter and his wife, Juanice; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Stephen Naylor.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust at https://cst.dav.org/.

Rusty will be remembered as a devoted father and grandfather, a proud Marine, a hardworking provider and a man whose love for his family was the steady song of his life. His hands built, repaired and served. His music lingered. His love remains.