Obituary of Howard Neil Friend

Mr. Howard Neil Friend, 83 years of age of Bridgeport, WV passed away on Sunday, April 16, 2017 at his residence. He was born April 1, 1934 in Tesla, WV, the son of the late John S. and Mary McKown Friend. He was preceded in death by his wife Margaret Susan Friend in 2014. He is survived by a daughter Jeanne Friend of Miami, FL; a son Anthony “Tony” Friend and his wife Carrie of Bridgeport, WV; two grandchildren Valerie Rose Friend and Dena Marie Friend; a son Michael N. Friend and his wife Margarita, two daughters Tabitha Marie and Paola Marie of Bogota, Columbia; a sister Susan Spadafore and her husband Lawrence of Grafton, WV; two brothers Rodney Friend and his wife Lee of Bonaire, GA and Scott Friend of Farmville, VA; “man’s best friend” was Howard’s Jack Russell named Goober and several nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by a sister Imogene Duffield; a half-sister Marie and three brothers John Henry Friend, Jack Friend and Jerry Friend. Howard graduated from Gassaway High School and then enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served his country for twenty years and was honorable discharged as a Tech Sergeant. Following his service in the military, he worked for twenty years for the United Postal Service at the Clarksburg facility and retired in 1993. He was a fifty year member of Clarksburg Lodge #155 A.F. & A.M in Clarksburg, a 32nd KCCH Scottish Rite Mason, Valley of Clarksburg, Adoniram Chapter #11 Royal Arch Masons, Clarksurg Commandery KT #13, and Queen Esther Chapter #11, Order of the Eastern Star. Howard’s family would like to acknowledge the wonderful care given to their father by the doctors and nurses at United Hospital Center, Health South and Harrison County EMS. And recently, the home care and comfort given by Joe Swiger will never be forgotten. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Shriner’s Hospital Transportation Fund. Checks need payable to Shriner’s Hospital Transportation Fund and mailed to Late Lodge #63, 155 Driftwood Road, Bridgeport, WV 26330. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, April 28, 2017 at the West Virginia National Cemetery Committal Shelter, Pruntytown, WV at 11:00 AM with Reverend Dr. Dale C. Waters presiding. The Harrison County Honor Guard and the United States Air Force will provide full military rites followed by members of Clarksburg Lodge #155 A.F. & A.M. conducting Masonic ritualistic services. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com. The Friend family has entrusted the care and arrangements to the Ford Funeral Home, 215 East Main Street, Bridgeport, WV.