Michael Don Friend, 85, of Holden, passed away January 21, 2014 at St. Luke’s Hospice House Kansas City, MO with his loving family by his side. He was born August 31, 1928 in Independence, the son of Michael J. and Peggy Friend. He served as a SSG in the 5th Army in Germany, and in Fort Leonardwood during the Korean War.
On October 17, 1952, he married Mary Ann Bigger in Littleton, CO. Michael Don lived in Colorado for 30 years while working at the DuPont plant and the Electron Foundry as a maintenance mechanic. He moved back to Missouri in 1984 and worked at the bus barn in Odessa, servicing school buses.
He was a member of the Odessa Restoration Branch where he served as an Elder. Michael Don loved the gospel, family, and the church. He also loved ice cream.
He was preceded in death by two brothers Carrol and Duane Friend. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary Ann; sons, Michael and wife Linda of Buckner, MO; Duane and wife Dana of Haslett, TX; Dan and wife Marlene of Independence, MO; daughters, Judy Coakley and husband Clint of Golden, CO; Melissa Thompson and husband Steve of Elizabeth, CO. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Mick and wife Abbie, Lance and wife Kelsey; Aaron, Jaren, Amy, Sarena, Chelsey, Christa, and Laura; four great grandchildren, Brady, Mason, Madaline, and Shannon; as well as his brother Glen and sisters Amy Ruchaber and Rosemary Harcourt; and uncle David Friend.
Memorial Services will be held 3:00 p.m. Saturday February 15, 2014 at the Odessa Restoration Branch 6783 Hwy 131 Odessa, MO 64076. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Odessa Hills Campground 6505 Odessa Hills Rd. Odessa, MO 64076 or to the Church.
Arr: Royer Funeral Home 100 Royer Lane Grain Valley, MO 64029 (816) 847-4441
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