In Memory Of
Don Friend
1941
2022
Don Friend
July 1, 1941 — January 12, 2022
Don Friend, 80, of Topeka, passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 12, 2022. His family, including wife, Joyce, and children, Donald, David, Dan and Deb were all by his side to say, "We love you and goodbye." Don was a devoted husband, faithful brother, wonderful father, loving grandpa, loyal 'friend', dedicated colleague, and a proud Marine. He had a tireless work ethic (loved his yard and cars), was extremely selfless and had one of the kindest, gentlest souls.
Don was born July 1, 1941, the son of Raleigh B. and Charlotte A. Detrick Friend. He attended high school at Fort Osage High School in Independence, MO. He was united in marriage to Joyce Wymore on December 29, 1962 at First Methodist Church, in Topeka, Kansas.
Don was a proud member of the United States Marines. He served 4 years during the period of the Vietnam War, earned the rank of sergeant E-5, and was stationed in Cherrypoint, North Carolina. He earned both the sharpshooter silver star and the good conduct medal during his service in the Marines.
Don attended Washburn University and then worked as a systems computer analyst at Blue Cross and Blue Shield for thirty years.
Don is survived by his loving wife Joyce; children, Donald Friend (Anna) of Fairway, Kansas, David Friend (Leanna Snavely) of Meriden, Kansas, Dan Friend (Lorelee Smith) of Joilet, Illinois, and Deb Boeckman (Joe) of St. Louis, Missouri; eleven grandchildren, Sage Hermanson, Jace Friend, Ryan Friend, Christian Friend, Brady Friend, D.J. Friend, Jessica Friend, Cooper Boeckman, Gwen Boeckman, Broxton Boeckman and Rae Friend; three great grandchildren, Juliana Hermanson, Olivia Hermanson and Christian Friend.
Funeral services will be at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 16, 2022 at Penwell-Gabel, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS. The family will greet friends an hour prior to the service. Masks are required for those in attendance.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Rae Strong Foundation Supporting The Families Of Micro-Preemies: please copy and paste link in your browers: https://raestrong.org/home/ and/or Foundation Fighting Blindness- St. Louis Chapter P.O. Box 45740, Baltimore, MD 21297-5740.
The service will be livestreamed. To view the service, please click on the link below. The link will become active 5 minutes to the start of the service.
Livestream Service
To leave a message for his family online, please visit the guestbook below.
Don was born July 1, 1941, the son of Raleigh B. and Charlotte A. Detrick Friend. He attended high school at Fort Osage High School in Independence, MO. He was united in marriage to Joyce Wymore on December 29, 1962 at First Methodist Church, in Topeka, Kansas.
Don was a proud member of the United States Marines. He served 4 years during the period of the Vietnam War, earned the rank of sergeant E-5, and was stationed in Cherrypoint, North Carolina. He earned both the sharpshooter silver star and the good conduct medal during his service in the Marines.
Don attended Washburn University and then worked as a systems computer analyst at Blue Cross and Blue Shield for thirty years.
Don is survived by his loving wife Joyce; children, Donald Friend (Anna) of Fairway, Kansas, David Friend (Leanna Snavely) of Meriden, Kansas, Dan Friend (Lorelee Smith) of Joilet, Illinois, and Deb Boeckman (Joe) of St. Louis, Missouri; eleven grandchildren, Sage Hermanson, Jace Friend, Ryan Friend, Christian Friend, Brady Friend, D.J. Friend, Jessica Friend, Cooper Boeckman, Gwen Boeckman, Broxton Boeckman and Rae Friend; three great grandchildren, Juliana Hermanson, Olivia Hermanson and Christian Friend.
Funeral services will be at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 16, 2022 at Penwell-Gabel, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS. The family will greet friends an hour prior to the service. Masks are required for those in attendance.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Rae Strong Foundation Supporting The Families Of Micro-Preemies: please copy and paste link in your browers: https://raestrong.org/home/ and/or Foundation Fighting Blindness- St. Louis Chapter P.O. Box 45740, Baltimore, MD 21297-5740.
The service will be livestreamed. To view the service, please click on the link below. The link will become active 5 minutes to the start of the service.
Livestream Service
To leave a message for his family online, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Don Friend, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Sunday, January 16, 2022
3:00 - 4:00 pm (Central time)
Penwell-Gabel - Mid-Town Chapel
Service
Sunday, January 16, 2022
Starts at 4:00 pm (Central time)
Penwell-Gabel - Mid-Town Chapel
Guestbook
Visits: 4
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