United States of America
Headstone of Michael Joe Naylor
U.S. Air Force · United States United States

Michael Joe Naylor

Died October 9, 2014

Michael Joe Naylor served in the U.S. Air Force for 9 years and 7 months. Michael served during the years of the Cold War.

How He Died
Manner Homicide
Cause Gunshot wound
Mechanism Firearm

Gunfire

What Happened

Sergeant Mike Naylor was shot and killed as he and other deputies served a warrant on a child sexual predator at a home on the 3800 block of North County Road 1247.

The officers attempted to make contact with the man, but he refused to come to the door. Deputies then broke out a window of the home to make visual and verbal contact with the man, but he still refused to come out. As Sergeant Naylor and the man continued to speak, the man suddenly fired a shot, striking the officer in the head.

Other deputies pulled Sergeant Naylor away from the home and transported him to a waiting ambulance. He was taken to Midland Memorial Hospital, where he later succumbed to his wound. A second deputy was also transported to the hospital with breathing difficulties following the incident.

The subject who shot Sergeant Naylor was taken into custody a short time later. He was subsequently charged with capital murder, and felony aggravated sexual assault of a child. He was sentenced to 2 life sentences without parole in February 2015.

Sergeant Naylor was a United States Air Force veteran and had served with the Midland County Sheriff's Office for 15 years, assigned to the Mental Health Unit and the department's Honor Guard commander.

Survivors
He is survived by his wife, mother, nephews, and grandmother.
Media
Michael Joe Naylor
Michael Joe Naylor 0 views
Service Record
U.S. Air Force
1988 – 1988
U.S. Air Force
1993 – 1994
U.S. Air Force
1994 – 1997
Also Served
Midland County Sheriff's Office
Sergeant
Memorials
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Panel 59W · Line 29 cut as MICHAEL JOE NAYLOR
In Our Keeping
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Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
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Last updated August 2, 2026

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In tribute

I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.

Sergeant Naylor gave the Midland County Sheriff's Office 15 years.

Thank you for your service to the Midland community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.

Rest easy, brother.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

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