Milo Dean Naylor

Milo Dean Naylor

Dean Naylor, 89, passed away on April 1, 2026, at his winter home in Mesa, AZ with his wife and family by his side.  He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Dorothy and his children 

Roger, Rick (Sherri) and Melanie (Darryl).  He also leaves behind his 5 “grands” and 10 “greats”.

Dean was a music teacher for many years in Anaconda, although that’s not where his story began.  He was born in Iowa and raised in Kalispell before heading to the University of Montana to study in the music department.  From there he set off to begin his teaching career in Noxon, MT where he started the music program, teaching choir and band.  A few years later, he took a job across the state in Miles City where he had multiple choirs.  He then moved to Anaconda to spend the rest of his career, starting at Anaconda High School directing choirs and then teaching 7th grade music at the Junior High School.  Every student who had him seems to remember learning “Proud Mary” and “Jeremiah Was A Bullfrog” on the guitar.  He finished his career teaching elementary music at Lincoln.  During his years in Anaconda, he started the Treasure State Boys Choir and directed them for many years, performing across the state in a variety of venues including the Calgary Stampede.  While he was in Anaconda, he took the opportunity to get his pilot’s license and flew the family around for a number of years.

Dean enjoyed singing whether it was a solo at his daughter’s wedding, with his quartet at Grace Baptist Church or in many choirs including the Helena Symphony Chorale.  Following his retirement, he took up an interest in real estate and sold properties with Markovich in Butte.  He traveled to many areas and visiting family and grandkids was always a highlight.  He “wintered” in Mesa, AZ with Dorothy for the past 20 years and enjoyed everything Arizona offered.