Karlton Kent Naylor

Karlton Kent Naylor, 78, of Fayetteville, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2015 at Washington Regional Medical Center. He was born June 30, 1937 in Burr Oak, Kan., the son of Esther and Walter Naylor. Karl was a graduate of Chanute HS and Kansas State University with a Civil Engineering degree. He worked 28 years for the Kansas State Highway Department in Bridge Design. After leaving KDOT, he worked special engineering projects in Texas and Arkansas. He was an avid runner for over 60 years. He competed in every racing distance from 5K to Marathons often winning his age group. He ran the streets of Fayetteville for 30 years usually in scanty shorts, no shirt and colorful shoes. He was once recognized in Walmart by a small boy telling his Mom, "there's our runner". In his 50's, he added biking and swimming to his athletic abilities and after a few years of training, became a world class triathlete. He competed in his age group on the USA team in World Competitions from 1997 to 2012, ending his Triathlon career placing 2nd in Auckland, New Zealand. After "retiring" from National and International competitions, he continued to do local running races to have fun and so he could see his friends. He continued biking on his terms and many years rode the Big Dam Bridge and the MS 150. Karl's other passions were the stock market and beer drinking. He was insistent on his morning WSJ and CNBC time, and you could find him at the Dickson Street pub every Tuesday with his "old" friends; solving the world's problems. Karl is survived by his wife, Teri; two children, Karl (Becky) Naylor of Meridan, Kan. and Kathy Goodnow of Topeka, Kan.; sister, Leslie Fraser of Topeka, Kan. and brother, Neal (Sandy) Naylor of Garnett, Kan.; five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held in Fayetteville, Ark. and Topeka, Kan. Dates and locations will be announced at future time. Arrangements by Epting Funeral Home, Fayetteville. Condolences: www.eptingfuneralhome.webs.com.