Clair Eldon “Bud” Daft, Sr., 78, a resident of Beverly passed from this life Wednesday, September 10, 2014 in his home surrounded by his family. Bud was born January 31, 1936 in Dailey, a son of the late Wilbur Newton Daft and Anna Grace Tracey Daft. On June 25, 1955 in Oakland, MD, he married the former Mary Anne Schmidlen. They had celebrated fifty-nine years of marriage. Also left to cherish Bud’s memory is his son, Clair Daft, Jr. “Jake” and wife, Diana of Beverly, two daughters, Virginia “Ginny” Royce and husband, Tom of Ooltewah, TN and Marilee Meyer and husband Pat of Beverly, six grandchildren, Heather Bennett, Whitney Daft, Zachariah Meyer, Cody Royce, Haley Royce, and Elijah Meyer, two great grandchildren, Grant Bennett and Alexus Bennett, one brother, Billy Ivan Daft and wife, Carol “Timmy” Daft, three sisters, Leola Willoughby of Elkins, Lenora Lloyd of Baltimore, MD and Anna Mae Weese of Dailey, and several nieces and nephews. Preceding Bud in death besides his parents were siblings, Vonda Jean Biesen, Viola Miller, Lillian Phillips, Loretta Cowell, Marjorie Barrickman, and David Daft, and two infants. Bud was a graduate of Beverly High School with the class of 1954. He had worked for Dutch Oven Bakery, Labcraft, and eventually retired from Elkins Hardwood Dimensions. He will be remembered for wood working and carpenter skills that can be found in many homes in the area. He enjoyed camping and hunting with his family, driving his tractor, and gardening. He was always ready to help his friends and neighbors. He loved and treasured his family and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Bud was a member and elder of the Beverly Presbyterian Church. The family suggests that memorial contributions may be made in Bud’s memory to the Beverly Presbyterian Church P.O Box 206 Beverly, WV 26253 or Hospice Care Corporation 169 Diamond Street Elkins, WV 26241. Bud’s request for cremation was honored. A memorial service will be held at the Beverly Presbyterian Church on Saturday, September 20, 2014 at 11AM. Pastor Harry O. Wachsmuth, a family friend, will officiate.
