DAVID "GRAVY" A. McPHAIL

David “Gravy” A. McPhail, 92, a longtime resident of Devils Lake, ND, passed away early Thursday morning, October 29, 2015 at the Eventide Heartland Care Center, Devils Lake. Gravy (David A) McPhail was born August 11, 1923, 2 miles from home without a stitch of clothes on to David H. and Viola M. (Lewis) McPhail in St. Thomas, ND. In 1928, the family relocated to Devils Lake, ND, where Gravy resided until his death. While in high school, Gravy played football and baseball being selected All State in both sports. Leaving high school to enlist in the U.S. Navy, he was sworn in on 11/11/1942. He served during WWII and had stints in both Atlantic and Pacific oceans. He served 18 months in the Atlantic Ocean on a DE and 12 months in the Pacific Ocean on a High Octane Tanker. He was discharged on 1/22/1946 with the rank of Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class. Gravy returned to Devils Lake and began employment with Swenson Brothers Plumbing. He is mostly known for his 40 years of employment with Ye Olde Tavern. Gravy was united in marriage to Ruby Tattle on February 14, 1947 and to this union five children were born. Ruby passed away on December 14, 1980. Gravy was then united in marriage to Jeanette Svidal on February 4, 1983 and together they had one son. Jeanette passed away on November 22, 2013. Gravy was a very proud member of the Elks Band for over 45 years, over 18 years in the Shrine Flag Corps, 10 years in the Shrine Band and a Shriner for over 50 years. He was also Worshipful Master of the Masonic Lodge. He played amateur baseball for 30 years and umped for 12 years. He was inducted in 1984 to the ND Baseball Hall of Fame. He also boxed and was the Light-Heavy Weight Champion in 1947. Up until recently, he participated in the Senior Citizens Band. Gravy is survived by his six children, Becky Garman, Hatton, ND, Sue McPhail, Fargo, ND, Doug (Deb) McPhail, Bull Head City, AZ, Bunny (John) Pickar, Valley City, ND, Kip (Kathy) Svidal, Devils Lake, and Anna (Rusty) Mertens, East Grand Forks, MN. He is survived by 14 grandchildren, LeRoy (Sheryl) Garman, Jr., Doug (Caren) Garman, Mike (Michelle) Person, Jon (Mary) McPhail, Troy (Lisa) McPhail, Corey McPhail, Mandy McPhail, Natalie Stricklin, Joe (Sarah) Pickar, Brett (Jamie) Svidal, Katie Svidal, Scott (Kim) Svidal, Nick (Lauren) Mertens, Ashley Mertens,; 19 great grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; three step great grandchildren and one step great-great grandson; brother-in-law, Vernon Svidal; and several nephews and nieces. Gravy was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Metta (Ray)?Ross and Dorthy Idella McPhail; both wives; one infant grandson; and one great grandson. In lieu of flowers, Gravy has requested tht you take time to visit an elderly person or shut-in. Gravy wrote his own obituary and requested it be run as he had written. The family is honoring his request. Gravy’s funeral service will be held on Monday, November 2 at 10:30 a.m. in 1st United Methodist Church, Devils Lake. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, November 1, at Gilbertson Funeral Home, followed by a prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue for one hour before the service in the church. Gravy will be laid to rest in the Devils Lake Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Gravy’s grandchildren. Honorary pallbearers are members of the Elks Band and KEM Shrine and Lake Region Flag Corp Unit. Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake, is caring for Gravy and his family.