David Bruce Friend, 74, of Morgantown, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital. He was born on April 7, 1947, son of the late Charles and Martha (Eisentrout) Friend.
David attended Morgantown High School and graduated in 1965. He then went on to join the Army and spent time in Vietnam. Next on the agenda was to marry his childhood sweetheart, Rita Jo Staley. They had been married for 51 years. He was a draftsman by trade, and, most recently, David retired from the City of Morgantown Code Enforcement. He loved his job and coworkers there. David was passionate about his family and friends. He wanted to be wherever people gathered.
He is survived by his wife, Rita Staley Friend; two sisters, Vonda Friend Tharp, of Morgantown, and Linda Friend Hershman (Gary), of Lakewood Ranch, Florida; his sister-in-law, Tama Southard (Don); and brother-in-law, D.V. Staley (Sarah). In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Friend Schoemer, and his mother-in-law, Neva B. Staley. He has many nieces and nephews and extended family who will miss him dearly.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Spruce Street United Methodist Church Building Fund, 386 Spruce St., Morgantown, WV 26505, or the Lawnwood Cemetery, P.O. Box 402, Morgantown, WV 26507.
Out of extreme caution, the family is having a small private family service at this time. COVID restrictions will apply. Masks will be required. When weather permits, there will be an outside memorial celebration of David’s life at a date to be announced where all friends and family can gather.
Condolences:
www.hastingsfuneralhome.com
