Roscoe D. Lewis, 87

Roscoe D. Lewis, 87, passed away May 17, 2007, at Heritage Place in Kalispell. Roscoe was born Nov. 23, 1919, to Josephus and Mamie (Pherigo) Lewis.

On March 7, 1942, he married Valee E. Jenkins in Glendive.

During the 1940s, Roscoe was a blacksmith in Fairview Roscoe and was never in the Armed Forces. Because he was the only blacksmith in the area, when he was served with draft papers, the local ranchers and farmers appealed to the draft board that Roscoe was needed more at home to keep the equipment for the ranches and farms in working order.

In 1947, Roscoe moved his family to Portland, where he worked for Cummins Diesel.

In 1956, he moved his family to Kalispell, where he owned and operated Flathead Valley Diesel Service. He built what is now the fairgrounds shop, using the Old Libby Bridge.

Throughout his life, and especially after he retired, he got great enjoyment from his music and entertaining others with his storytelling.

Roscoe was preceded in death by one son, Dale; three brothers; and three sisters.

He is survived by his wife, Valee, and one son, Jim, both of Kalispell; two daughters, Eva Elaine Stahlberg of Albuquerque, N.M., and Nancy and Patrick Murphy of Ocean Shores, Wash.; three granddaughters, Valee Stahlberg, Sherry and Peter Bugnet, and April and Alex Harris; two great-grandchildren, LeeAsa Pomeroy and Andrew Pool; one brother; four sisters; and several nieces and nephews.

At Roscoe's request, there will be no service. The family always will remember Roscoe's mischievous laugh and spontaneous displays of affection with love in their hearts.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the charity of your choice in Roscoe's memory.