Jody Eugene Naron

Lt. Colonel (Ret.) Jody Eugene Naron, 51, of Purmela, joined his Father in glory on November 21, 2013. Memorial services will be held Tuesday, November 26 at the Barn Church 7 miles east of Hamilton on Hwy 35. Burial will follow in Live Oak Cemetery in Hamilton.

Jody was born in Santa Anna, Texas, on May 16, 1962 to John Thomas Naron, Sr. and Era Juanita (Cupps) Naron. He graduated from Ozona High School in 1980 and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Education from Tarleton State University. He was a member of the Army ROTC at Tarleton and was commissioned as an officer by the United States Army.

He graduated from Army Aviation school at Ft. Rucker, Alabama. During his military career, his commands included HHC USAG (Ft. Polk), Ft. Hunter Liggett, Fort Hood Regional Flight Center, Naval Station in Ft. Worth, and Ft. Benning and completed an overseas tour in Saudi Arabia. He was a proud patriot and a valiant soldier, continuing to serve as an officer from 2003 to 2013 in the United States Army Reserves, most recently on an overseas tour in Saudi Arabia.

A fun-loving jokester who loved people, he was a devoted follower of Christ who served others and preferred to take no credit for it.

Survivors include the loves of his life: wife Tonya Naron; daughters Chrysta Naron of New York City, Karla Gallimore and husband Ian of Houston and Valerie Northern and husband Mark of New Jersey; sons Joseph Elisha Laraby Naron (Eli) of Austin and Jason Hull of Georgetown; and his mother, Era Juanita (Cupps) Naron of Merkel. He was a devoted Granddad to Sam and Will Gallimore and Colbie and Ty Northern. He will be greatly missed by the brother and sisters who loved him unconditionally: J. T. Naron, Jr. of Merkel and wife Kelli; Janera Naron of Abilene; and Jennifer Naron Pugh and husband James of Live Oak. He was a mentor and an aggravator of nieces and nephews whose lives were greatly impacted by his wisdom, his humor and his love.

The family requests memorial contributions to Cal Farley Boy’s Ranch in Amarillo or to the charity of their choice. Please leave online condolences at www.rileyfuneral.com. Riley Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.