Gary Lewis Friend, 72, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, September 28, 2017. Gary was born on September 12, 1945 in Neosho Missouri to Lyle and Alice Friend. Gary graduated high school in Granby Missouri in 1963, and later went into the U.S. Air Force from 1963-1967.
Gary enjoyed playing golf, and loved placing bets on Cardinals baseball with his son Randy, and in his final days he enjoyed spending time on the deck with his daughter Ginger and dog Max by his side. He was extremely proud of all of his family and especially loved his 4 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild Grace Hobbs. He is survived by his daughter Ginger Fisher and her husband Brad, his son Randy Friend and wife Deanna, granddaughter Alysse Hobbs and her husband Kiel, granddaughter Makena Collins and her husband Zac, a grandson Mason Friend and his wife Shaney, and a granddaughter Bobbie Friend. Gary is also survived by the love of his life and mother of his children Sandra Reynolds Friend. He is also survived by his siblings, Lloyd Friend and wife Linda, Danny Friend and wife Martha, Janet English and Steve Friend. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, and 1 great grandchild. He also had many wonderful nieces and nephews and extended family.
The family will receive friends for a celebration of Gary’s life on Sunday October 1, 2017 from 2PM – 4PM at Greenlawn Funeral Home South 441 West Battlefield Springfield, Missouri 65807. Graveside Services will be held at 11 AM Monday October 2, 2017 at the Granby Memorial Cemetery, Granby Missouri where Gary will receive Military honors.