John Edward Friend, 73, Wabash, died at 9:10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, at Autumn Ridge Rehabilitation Center in Wabash. He was born Aug. 7, 1946, in Jonesboro, Ark. to John Earl Friend and Ruby (Purnell) Thompson.

John was a 1964 graduate of Wabash High School. He retired from the US Army, and served in Vietnam. He also worked at Wabash Metal Products. John attended the Christian Heritage Church. He enjoyed playing poker with the guys, fishing, playing golf, riding his motorcycle,and restoring his Chevy Nova.

He is survived by three children: Tonya Friend (Gary Holt) House of Pleasant View, Tenn.; John Edward Friend II of Bon Aqua, Tenn.; and Harold (Michelle) Krieg of Lagro; four grandchildren: Cassie House of Ashland City, Tenn.; Buster (Coco) Hines and Tyler Krieg, both of Greenbrier, Ark.; and Kayla Krieg of Van Buren, Ark.; great-grandson, Noah Hines of Greenbrier, Ark.; and two sisters, Wanda (Joe) Campbell of Wabash; and Diann Carson of Henderson, Tenn.; and his longtime companion, Beverly Ann Adams of Wabash.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Ruben Friend and David Friend, and his sister, Louise Howard.

Graveside services and burial will be 9:30 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019, at Friends Cemetery,Wabash, with Pastor Tim Prater officiating. Friends may call 4-7 p.m. Friday, at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Avenue, Wabash.

Preferred memorials are the Wabash V.F.W. Post 286 or the Animal Shelter of Wabash County.