Arnold W. Friend, 78, of Bobtown, Pa., died Saturday, March 2, 2024, in the J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown, following a brief illness. Born in Denbo, Pa., on June 3, 1945, he was a son of the late Gerald and Hilda (Stoker) Friend.
A 1963 graduate of Mapletown High School, Arnold worked for Chico Dairy, starting out as a truck driver in 1963 until 1990, when it was sold to United Dairy. He continued on with United for the next twenty years, retiring as route supervisor in 2010. Arnold was an active and faithful member of the Bobtown United Methodist Church, having served 15 years as Church Treasurer, and overseeing the construction of the new Social Hall. Since his retirement from work, the church became his “full time job,” and he spent countless hours volunteering, and helping out there wherever he could.
Arnold was well known throughout the area for his gift of writing a beautiful poem for any occasion that might arise. He also was a member of the Bobtown Senior Citizens, President of the Bobtown Sewage Board, as well as an “honorary” member of the United Methodist Women. He loved to shop, whether it was at the mall, the grocery store, or online. Christmas was a special time to him, and everyone in Bobtown knew when Arnold had decorated for the season.
Surviving is his wife of 58 years, Elizabeth “Kitty” Friend, who he married on July 7, 1965; and three children, Michael Friend of Bobtown, Kelly Wilkins (Tim) of Bobtown, and Melissa Friend of Pittsburgh. Also five grandchildren, Amy Hughes (Kenny) of Carmichaels, Pa., Chelsie Wilkins (Stewart) of Mount Morris, Pa., Shaylie Wilkins (David) of Spraggs, Pa., Marissa Friend of Pursglove, and Dakota Nichols of Morgantown; five great-grandchildren, Jacob, Aubrianna, “Prince” Aaron, Asher and Carter; two sisters, Janet Koast and Lana Henderson, both of Davistown; a number of nieces and nephews, and many, many friends, all of whom he considered not just friends, but extended family.
Also deceased are two brothers, John Friend, and Clayton Duane Friend.
Friends will be received in the Richard R. Herod Funeral Home, Point Marion, Pa., from 2-4 p.m. and
6-8 p.m., on Thursday, March 7, and again on Friday, March 8, in the Bobtown United Methodist Church, from 11 a.m., until the 1 p.m. hour of service, with Pastors Gale Cobb and Ed Hanley officiating. Interment follows in Highland Cemetery, Davistown.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered to the Bobtown United Methodist Church, c/o: Donna Billetz, 208 State Route 2011, Dilliner, PA 15327.
Condolences:
www.herod-rishel.com
