Alfred W. Makin, 89, of Joseph, died Aug. 23, 2004. He was born June 17, 1915, in Weiser, Idaho, to William and Julia (Gossett) Makin.

Makin’s early childhood was spent following his father, a well-known sheep sheerer, along with the rest of his family, to various sheep shearing camps until they settled in Joseph during Makin’s early teens, where they farmed for many years.

After graduating from Joseph High School in 1934, he married Una Mays in 1938. Following several years of farming, he switched careers, becoming a master woodworker and blacksmith, refurbishing stagecoaches and building other horse drawn vehicles.

Later he became a school custodian and bus driver. He was an active supporter of the Joseph Chamber of Commerce, helping to build the rodeo arena’s stands. He also broke, trained and drove stagecoach teams.

Survivors include his wife, Una, of Joseph; son and daughter-in-law Ron and Adaleen Makin of Greenville, Tex.; grandson Gregory Makin of Greenville; granddaughter and spouse Kimberly and Scott Daniels of Princeton Tex.; sister Delpha Mead of Washington State; two nieces and numerous cousins.

Graveside services were held Aug. 27 at Prairie Creek Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the giver’s choice care of the Bollman Funeral Home.