Buster Neal Nay

“Mr. Nay, you were my 5th grade teacher.”

Our dedicated husband, father, grandfather and friend reunited with loved ones on the other side of the veil on May 12, 2010. After a valiant three year struggle with cancer, he died as he lived – with dignity and surrounded with love. Buster was born on August 8, 1930 to Alvin Carlos and Lenora Higgins Nay in the family’s small Monroe, Utah home. The youngest of five children, Buster learned in his youth the values of hard work, sacrifice, and service that would bless the lives of countless people throughout his time on earth. He discovered his greatest love, a “noisy blonde” who captured his heart. Lois Dean Meyer would become his greatest treasure, his purpose, his eternal companion. They were married on August 7, 1951 in Caliente, NV and sealed their love for all eternity on March 15, 1956 in the Manti Utah Temple. Buster’s service to his country also began in 1951, where he served as a sergeant in the US Army Signal Corp. He served honorably, earning recognitions that include a commendation from the Netherlands government for outstanding service.

With much sacrifice, but with his sweetheart by his side, Buster went on to achieve a Bachelor’s Degree from CEU in Education. His first teaching assignment at Webster

Elementary led the couple to the small town of Magna, Utah which would be their home and where they would raise their family. Over 34 years of service, hundreds of students at Webster, Lakeridge and Hunter elementary schools would learn valuable lessons from “Mr. Nay.” Though the names may take a moment to recall, the faces were always fresh in his mind as a grateful former student would ask “Are you Mr. Nay?,” then continue with a smile “You were my fifth grade teacher!” These occasions always brought much joy as he cherished the success of each pupil.

He also developed his talent as a skilled tradesman, working as a painter to support his family and to provide service to those in need. Buster was a diligent servant of our Heavenly Father, and members of the PG 4th ward will remember his many years leading the congregation in songs of praise. He also filled many priesthood leadership callings in his ward and stake and always led as an example of faith and love. Buster and Lois served several years together as ordinance workers in the Salt Lake Temple. They then demonstrated their faith by fulfilling a service mission on the restoration of the Nauvoo Temple. Though this required much sacrifice and courage, it was to become one of the most treasured experiences of their lifetime and the relationships established there will endure beyond mortality. As a teacher and example, the most important lessons he taught were within the walls of his own home. He taught his children the values he’d learned and that had made him a success throughout his life. Great sacrifices he made for his family and great will be his reward. We will miss his humor and his touch, but know his love and guidance will be with us.

Buster is survived by his devoted wife, Lois; sister, Lucille Allen; children, Robert Neal Nay, Mary Christine “Teena” Stone, Kathy Lee (Roger) Klein and Brian Kent (Karen) Nay; 12 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. The family wishes to express special gratitude to the angels at Silverado Hospice and the Huntsman Cancer Institute.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 18, at 12:00 noon at the Magna Stake Center, 3100 South 8400 West, Magna, Utah. Friends and family may visit at the Valley View Funeral Home, 4335 West 4100 South, West Valley City, Utah on Monday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment: Valley View Memorial Park.