Harold Raymond Friend, 95, of Owaneco, passed away Wednesday, July 3, 2013 at 1:15 p.m. at Taylorville Memorial Hospital. He was born October 5, 1917 in Stonington, IL the Son of Alfred Lee and Myrtle Claire (Peyton) Friend. He married Eva Edna Gilbert on September 7, 1946 in Maroa, IL and she later preceded him in death on April 7, 2010. He was a machine adjuster at Sangamon Paper Company for over 40 years. He served in the AAF 14th Ferrying Squad ATC, Air Operations Specialist Master Sergeant from January 21, 1942 to December 13, 1945. He was in the India-Burma Campaign, Asiatic-Pacific Theater stationed in China. He served in the Air Force Reserves and returned during the Korean Conflict stationed at a radar base in the State of Washington 12/14/1948 to 9/22/1952.
He is survived by his Son: Harold Lee "Sandy" Friend of Owaneco; Daughters: Linda Prosperini of Taylorville, Colleen (husband Henry) Starling of Chatham, Terri (husband Maurice) Walker of Taylorville; Grandchildren: Michelle (husband Adam) Harden of Langleyville, Isaiah (Kasey) Walker of Taylorville, Caleb (Brittany) Walker of Taylorville, Amelia and Lucy Friend of Jeiseyville; Great-Grandchildren: Adam, Eden and Evie Harden, Natalia, Malachi, and Elijah Walker, and Ben and Reese Lynn Walker; Honorary Children; Christy (husband Mark) Calloway and Kylie Calloway; Angel Whittick; Niece: Carol Friend of Colorado; Great-Niece: Diane (Danny) Johnson of Indiana; Great-Nephews Mark (Eileen) Richards of Indiana, Kerwin (Candy) Law of Pana, IL, and Kevin (Rhonda) Law of Owaneco. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Brother: Glenn (Madge) Friend of Kansas; Sisters: Ruth (Merle) Law, Lois (Leroy) Speagle, and Twin-Sister Grace (Bruno) Tumiati all of Owaneco.
On July 12, 2013 visitation will be held from 5:30- 6:30 p.m. followed by A Celebration of Life at 6:30 p.m. at Owaneco United Methodist Church with Pastor Betty Coffey officiating. Burial will be in Owaneco Cemetery in Owaneco, IL.
Memorials may be made to Owaneco United Methodist Church 101 S. Church St. Owaneco, IL 62555
Arrangements by Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville.
Sign on-line guest book at www.suttonmemorialhome.com.
