Jerald Eugene Caylor

Jerald Eugene Caylor was born on October 3, 1941, to John and Opal (Hillman) Caylor, near Burr Oak, Kansas. He was the youngest of three siblings. At an early age the family moved from their farm to Mankato. Jerald received all his schooling at Mankato. He graduated from Mankato High School in 1960.

Jerald enlisted in the Navy in 1963 and was discharged from active duty in 1967. He was in the Navy Reserves until 1969. During his military career he traveled extensively. He served on the newly commissioned air craft carrier, USS America. Jerald was a member of 200-300 original crew members who are given the honorary status of being owners of Mediterranean. He was present at the 6-day War. Jerald enjoyed the Mediterranean area and transferred to a smaller ship and was stationed at Naples, Italy, for the last year of his active duty.

After returning to Mankato, he began working for the Mankato Packing Plant in maintenance.

In 1973, he married Brenda Nowak, and they had one daughter, Kimberly.

In 1978, the family moved to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, where they owned and operated a café. In 1984, they returned to Mankato.

Jerald enjoyed doing carpentry work and liked to garden. His greatest joy was when he became “Papa” to his grandson Trevor. They spent a lot of time together and “Papa” enjoyed playing kick ball, basketball, and other games until his health started to decline.

Jerald passed away on August 1, 2008, after a long illness at Salina, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers – John and James, and a niece – Nichole.

Survivors include a daughter - Kim Duvall; a grandson – Trevor Duvall, an aunt – Annalee McGinnis, and nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service for Jerald E. Caylor was held Wednesday, August 6, 2008, at 10:30 a.m., at the Melby Mortuary Chapel, Mankato, Kansas, with Pastor Daniel Daniels officiating. Music was provided by Pastor Daniel and Mrs. Gaye Daniels. Casket bearers were: Jeff Caylor, Robert Wakefield, Ben Ruthstrom, Larry Stewart, and John Merrill. Honorary casket bearers were: Delmar Garst and Robert Gumm. Military rites were presented by the V.F.W. Post No. 7830, Mankato, and the United States Navy. Interment was in Mount Hope Cemetery, Mankato, Kansas. Memorials may be given to the family. Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas, was in charge of arrangements.