David Earl Friend, 75 years old, of Rowlesburg went to Heaven on Oct. 4, 2021, at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital with family at his bedside. He was born on July 17, 1946, in Rowlesburg, the son of Clarence E. and Goldie “Bolyard” Friend.
He was a devoted and loving husband, father, brother and papaw. David touched many lives with his lifetime devotion and love for education. He worked as a teacher, counselor, vice principal, principal, director of elementary education, assistant superintendent and superintendent. He also worked two years in the Juvenile Services Department. He also enjoyed his years of serving as a member of the Preston County Commission. He was a member of the Sycamore Grove Church. He enjoyed spending time on his farm and fishing. Nothing meant more to him than his relationship with God and his family.
He is survived by his wife, Francis June Friend; two dogs, Rosie and Bear; two daughters and their spouses, DeeDee and Dave Hemingway and Dawna and Mike Ashby; a son, David “D.J.” and Mindy Friend; a stepson and wife, Jim and Robin Davis; a stepdaughter and husband, Donna and Tommy Shahan; 16 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and “two in the cooker” as he would say.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Goldie “Bolyard” Friend; his first wife, Deborah Friend; a daughter, DeNean Friend; two brothers; Albert and Clyde Friend; and two sisters Mearl Friend and Delsie White.
The family will receive friends at Rotruck-Lobb Funeral Home in Kingwood, from 1-8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 8, and at the Christ United Methodist Church 14 W. Main St., Rowlesburg, WV 26525, from noon-2 p.m., the time of the funeral service, on Saturday, Oct 9, with Paster Pat Cassidy. Dinner will be served immediately after the funeral service at the Rowlesburg Volunteer Fire Department, in which everyone is welcome.
The family requests that any memorial donations be made in David’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at www.stjude.org.
Condolences:
www.rotruck-lobb.com
