In loving memory of

Richard W. Friend
October 31, 1954 - February 11, 2018

Richard W. Friend, age 63, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 4:10 am on Sunday February 11, 2018 at Parkview Whitley Hospital. Born on October 31, 1954 in Fort Wayne, IN, he was the son of Robert Dwight and Mary Louise (Beckman) Friend.

Richard was a Whitley County resident for most of his life. He attended Columbia City Joint High School before joining the U.S. Navy, where he proudly served his country. Richard worked as a maintenance supervisor at Omnisource for 33 years. He was a member of the American Legion Post #98 and Fraternal Order of Eagles #1906. Richard enjoyed working on cars, gardening his green beans and tomatoes, grilling out, and camping at Jellystone Park.

Survivors include his daughter Laura (Ned) Rumschlag and son Shawn (Tiffany) Friend, both of Columbia City; grandchildren Ganon, Breana, Lucas, Tanner, and Lanston; siblings Larry (Shirley) Friend, Tom (Sonya) Friend, Terry Friend, and Kathy (Rodney Geisleman) Streby; companion Tina Nickolson Royal, all of Columbia City. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Mark Friend and sister Laura Lehman.

Friends may call from 2:00-6:00 pm on Thursday, February 15, 2018 at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. A memorial service for Richard will follow at 6:00 pm at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in memory of Richard may be made to American Legion Post #98. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send the family a condolence.

Tributes

Linda Eloph wrote on Apr 11, 2018:

"Laura and Shawn and families.... I was broken hearted to learn of your Dad's passing. I have such great memories. You are all in my heart, thoughts, and prayers!"

Elizabeth Muller wrote on Feb 15, 2018:

"We were so sorry to hear of Rick's passing. We had some good times while living next door for a couple of years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Henry and Liz Muller"

Barry Truman wrote on Feb 14, 2018:

"So Sorry For the loss of Rick,I would always way when he was outside. I can remember the times we had in the Black %0 Olds. Rest in peace Rick. Barry Truman"

Allan Gilsig wrote on Feb 14, 2018:

"Last saw him at my stepdaughter Nicole's memorial service Jan. 26, 2018. I thanked him for coming. R.I.P. Rick. May the family be spared further sorrow."

Erin C Fabian Parker wrote on Feb 13, 2018:

"I remember all the wonderful times we had as children. The picnics at the lakes, holidays at grandma and grandpa Beckman's, and all the other family gatherings. We were so blessed to have so many cousins to grow up with. Now it breaks my heart to loose another special cousin. I pray for Gods Grace for the rest of us cousins and Ricks family. Love y'all Erin "

Jenni Strack wrote on Feb 12, 2018:

"Shawn & family, So sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. I will keep your family in my prayers"

JANET HURD wrote on Feb 12, 2018:

"LARRY AND FAMILY, HAS BEEN A FEW YEARS BUT STILL RMEMBER ALL THE FRIEND KIDS. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ROSE AND JANET HURD"

Jerri Friend wrote on Feb 12, 2018:

"I am so sorry for your loss. Ri I am so sorry for the loss of your dad, grandpa, brother, companion. He is in a better place now with Mark and Mom. I'm sure they are all having a picnic at the lake and playing cards.he will be missed dearly. "

Tom Everest wrote on Feb 12, 2018:

"Fantastic "work buddy"; sense of humor and always willing to lend a hand. "

Kathy Maggard wrote on Feb 12, 2018:

"Into the arms of our Lord................Such a grand man and friend. You shall be missed terribly."

Tony and Lois Dolezal wrote on Feb 12, 2018:

"What a wonderful person Rick was. Grateful that we met him. Rick will be missed. Rest in Peace! Tony & Lois Dolezal"

Randy Grimes wrote on Feb 11, 2018:

"Richard W. Friend, age 63, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 4:10 am on Sunday February 11, 2018 at Parkview Whitley Hospital. Born on October 31, 1954 in Fort Wayne, IN, he was the son of Robert Dwight and Mary Louise (Beckman) Friend. Richard was a Whitley County resident for most of his life. He attended Columbia City Joint High School before joining the U.S. Navy, where he proudly served his country. Richard worked as a maintenance supervisor at Omnisource for 33 years. He was a member of the American Legion Post #98 and Fraternal Order of Eagles #1906. Richard enjoyed working on cars, gardening his green beans and tomatoes, grilling out, and camping at Jellystone Park. Survivors include his daughter Laura (Ned) Rumschlag and son Shawn (Tiffany) Friend, both of Columbia City; grandchildren Ganon, Breana, Lucas, Tanner, and Lanston; siblings Larry (Shirley) Friend, Tom (Sonya) Friend, Terry Friend, and Kathy (Rodney Geisleman) Streby; companion Tina Nickolson Royal, all of Columbia City. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Mark Friend and sister Laura Lehman. Friends may call from 2:00-6:00 pm on Thursday, February 15, 2018 at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. A memorial service for Richard will follow at 6:00 pm at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in memory of Richard may be made to American Legion Post #98. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send the family a condolence. "