BRADFORD – Daniel Wesley Speed Sr., 81, went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior July 6, 2008, with his loving wife and family by his side after a brief illness. He was born March 15, 1927, in Bradford, the son of Fred and Edna (Smith) Speed. He went to Bradford schools and upon completion he entered the U.S. Army in 1945, serving in World War II in Europe until his discharge, Oct. 25, 1946. He came home to Bradford to help his father farm and later he met and married, after a six-week courtship, his beautiful bride, Frances (Harris) of Charleston, Dec. 15, 1948. They eventually settled in Bradford to raise their family. He had many jobs throughout his life, farming, logging, fireman in the railroad and was a member of Carpenters Local No. 621. He had a hand in many of the buildings and bridges in the Bangor area. In 1973 he started Speed Construction with his four sons. Later on he worked as a building and home inspector for FHA, until his retirement in 1989. He became a member of Bradford Baptist Church in 1952 and served terms as deacon and trustee. He was a member of VFW in Charleston, Post No. 7163, serving a term as district commander. He was an avid outdoorsman and sportsman, enjoyed tending to his garden, flowers and beehives. He was a skilled pool player and got much enjoyment playing with his many close friends and family members. He was an umpire in Bangor Recreational Softball League for many years. He spent the last few years watching his Red Sox and Patriots. He and Frances “Mike” enjoyed many Sunday drives and times with special sister, Shirley; and brother, Richard Harris. In addition to his wife of 59 years, he is survived by his four sons, Daniel Jr. and wife, Diane, of Dover-Foxcroft, John and wife, Linda, Fred and wife, Juliette and Timothy and wife, Louise; one daughter, Rebekah Randall and husband, Jeff, all of Bradford; 12 grandchildren, John and wife, Sandi, Michael and wife, Angie, Andrea and husband, John, Peter and wife, Joy, Jesse and wife, Jamie, David, Joseph, Matthew, Mary, Joe, Sarah and Daniel; two stepgrandsons, Nicholas and Alan; five great-grandchildren, Nicholes, Jenna, Benjamin, Milo and Natalie; five sisters, Annie Speed, Genieve and Ralph Cookson, Luella Snow, Shirley and Richard Harris, and Patricia and Bill Michalski; and four sisters-in-law, Virginia Rich, Althea Harris, Dena and Allen Ventucci and Donna Pluard. All of his many nieces were very special to their Uncle Dan and of course, his many nephews, cousins and dear friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, James and Lawrence; a sister, Vernesiah Freeman; and three baby sisters, Ruth, Rebekah and Leona. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, at Bradford Baptist Church with Pastor Don Booker officiating. After a brief private burial for the family at Hillside Cemetery, Bradford, the family will meet with friends back at the church for refreshments and sharing memories. Memorial contributions may be made to Bradford Baptist Church, 461 Main Road, Bradford, ME 04410. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.