Lewis McDaniel, 81, Velva, died Saturday, January 6, 2006, in a Reno, NV hospital.

Lewis Melton McDaniel was born January 19, 1920, in Juanita, ND, to George and Myrtle (Parker) McDaniel. He was raised and educated in Juanita, assuming duties on the family farmstead following his formal education.

Lewis entered the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937 for whom he worked for three years, while residing in Montana, Idaho, and Oregon. He returned to Velva, ND in 1940 and he was employed by Truax-Trayer Coal Mine.

Lewis was united in marriage to Viola Bulyca on July 18, 1942, in Minot, ND. They soon moved to Kirkland, WA where they both worked in the shipyard during World War II and later returned to Velva to build their family home at 305 4th Street. There they raised three children; Gary, Bonnie and Elgin.

From 1946 to 1957 Lewis worked for Clarence Miller Construction, after which he launched his own company, McDaniel Construction. Lewis owned and operated his business for 33 years until his retirement in the mid 1980's.

Throughout his life, Lewis was active in the Velva Methodist Church, the Velva Senior Citizens Group and was a lifetime member of the local Elk's Lodge as well as honorary member of the American Legion. His hobbies included raising Charolais cattle, hunting, fishing and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Lewis was preceded in death by his wife Viola, his son, Gary, grandsons Jonny and Joseph Schweyen, two great-grandchildren, his parents, sisters, Gertrude, Audrey, Lorraine and Dalphne and his brother Walter.

He is survived by his daughter, Bonita Schweyen or Reno, NV, his son, Elgin and wife Jan McDaniel or Fargo, ND, seven grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren, daughter-in-law Kathy Helseth of Minot, ND, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral service: Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. at Oak Valley Lutheran Church, Velva;
Interment: Velva Community Cemetery, Velva.