Harlan McDaniel Obituary

Harlan Lee "Mac" McDaniel was born on Nov. 15, 1935 in Delta, Colo. to Howard and Nellie (Finley) McDaniel. He passed away on Nov. 10, 2012 at Southwest Memorial Hospital at the age of 76.

In 1955, Mac (as he was known to family and friends) and Shirley Dixon were married in Austin, Colo. on Aug. 21. They celebrated their 57th anniversary this year.

The family moved to Cortez in 1960 so Harlan could work at the Port of Entry. After 18 years of hearing stories from over the road truckers, the call of driving hit him so he then changed to that profession. Mac stopped driving in 1984 and went to work for the County Road Department, retiring in 2000. After retiring he enjoyed model railroading and his friends he made in the Montezuma Modular Railroading Club and their railroad, the McElmo Western Railroad. He also enjoyed participating in the local diabetic support group.

His wife, Shirley; sons, Lance of San Diego, Calif., and Kent of Thornton, Colo.; a daughter, Sherilyn of Cortez; two granddaughters, Megan of Phoenix, Ariz., and Cayla of Denver, Colo.; a great-granddaughter, Marley of Denver; a brother, Roger of Austin, Texas; a brother-in-law, Ronald Mumm of Olathe, Colo.; and five nieces and nephews survive him.

His parents and his sister, Lois, preceded him in death.

At Mac's request, no services will be held. A family Celebration of Life will be held to honor his memory the summer of 2013.

Arrangements are being made through Ertel Funeral Home. For further information or to send condolences, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.