Wilbur ''Bill'' Leroy Naylor, 90, Decorated WWII Veteran

Born September 2, 1910 in Lima, Ohio, he lived in Cleveland before coming to Lorain. Following his retirement, Bill moved to Winterhaven, Florida, before returning to Amherst.

He served in the US Army Air Force during World War II as a Staff Sergeant with the 514th Bomb Squadron. He served in the battles and campaigns of Po Valley, Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, North Appenines, Normandy, Rhineland, Southern France, and Air Offensive Europe. He received the EAME Theater Ribbon with 8 bronze stars, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Distinguished Unit Citation.

in 1954 Bill, owned and operated Bill Naylor's Bar in Elyria, for over 10 years. Prior to this, he had managed the Antler's Hotel in Lorain. Most recently he worked as a greeter at the Elyria Wal-Mart from 1992 through 1995.

He was a member of the Lorain Kiwanis Club, and the Lorain Rotary Club. Bill was an avid golfer, having scored several hole-in-ones. He also was a fan of all sports and enjoyed traveling with his wife.

Surviving is his daughter, Mildred Silvasy of Lorain, son Tom Naylor of Lima, Ohio, and sister Sylvia Reiff of Lima, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 38 years, Martha E. (nee DePue) in 1992, his parents Ellis Lee Naylor and Lillian Ann (nee Lusk) Naylor, sisters Hazel Newcomb, Ada Helmer, and Dara Butterfield.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 16, 2003 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services at noon in the Dovin Funeral Home, 2701 Elyria Ave., Lorain. Rev. Terry Brooks, pastor of Tower Baptist Church, Lorain, will officiate. Burial will follow in Brownhelm Cemetery in Brownhelm Township.