ABINGDON - Louis Friend Jr., 78, Abingdon, died at 11:55 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, at home with his family by his side.
He was born Jan. 13, 1941, in Joliet, the first child of Louis L. and Irene (Krall) Friend Sr.
He married Donna Plym and together they had a daughter, Christi. They later divorced. He later married Greta Roe and together they had his only son, Bart. They later divorced. He then married June Poulson and together they had his youngest daughter, Amanda. They, too, later divorced. Louis then met Bonnie Hankins and they were married in 1996. He cared for Bonnie at home until her death on June 4, 2007. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Louis L. and Irene Friend Sr.; brother-in-law, Ernie Watters; nephew, Todd A. Friend; and multiple extended family and friends.
By his own words of recent, he'd had "a full life of good health, being very fortunate to enjoy life to its fullest in all aspects of God's path for him." He was active and independent, never giving in to his stoic battle with cancer, up until the last two weeks of his life.
He graduated from Galesburg High School and attended Carl Sandburg College for two years. Louis then joined the United States Marine Corps and was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station, Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, Hawaii, for four years. When he returned, he worked for BNSF Railroad in the bridge and building/water department for 40 years until his retirement ... but he didn't stop there. He continued to work and had his own lawn service, taking pride in doing a good job and doing it right. He often stated, "When I have to give up my mowing, then I'm done." Everyone who knew him well understood what he meant.
Louis worked all his life, but also took time to live life. His love for the outdoors was endless, not only mowing, but fishing on the Fox River with his son and Uncle Johnny. Other pastimes he enjoyed included gambling as well as bowling, which he did for over 50 years and met many long-time friends. He bowled on multiple leagues and tournaments throughout the United States, and bowled a perfect 300 game at Abbe Lanes in 2015. His best friend and companion, his dog, Abbe, was named after Abbe Lanes. She will miss him.
He loved animals, cooking for many neighborhood dogs, friends and family; he enjoyed the bond of food and comfort. For many years, at Thanksgiving and Christmas, he would purchase multiple hams and turkeys and deliver them to many families. He also cooked and delivered food for many who were ill or homebound so that they, too, could enjoy the comfort of a home-cooked meal. Louis was never without a good joke, having an endless sense of humor, and he loved watching sports of all types, although he particularly enjoyed golf and the Cubs. He loved having great fish frys and conversations with all. He was stubborn and opinionated and that's OK, because that's who he was.
He was a member of the American Legion Post #381 and a lifetime member to many charitable entities.
Louis is survived by his children, Christi Syron of Galesburg, Bart Friend of London Mills and Amanda (and Lattney) Jones of Pima, Arizona; and three grandchildren, Savannah June and Kennedy Jade Jones of Pima and Clayton Michael Friend of London Mills. Louis is also survived by his seven siblings, all of Galesburg, Sandy Watters, Les (and Helen) Friend, Karen (and Les) Baker, Ronnie (and Linda) Friend, Nina (and Stephen) Smith, Debbie (and Dave) Marty and Monica (and Robert) Inness; as well as multiple nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, stepchildren and extended family. He is also survived by special friends Chris Callies, Mike Tabb, Uncle Johnny, Zan and Connie Carter; and many neighbors.
Cremation rites will be accorded. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019, at Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Home & Crematory in Knoxville. The memorial service will be at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Interment will be at the Henderson Cemetery. Military rites will be conducted by the Abingdon American Legion Post #381. Memorial contributions may be made to Clayton Friend, care of Bart Friend. Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be made through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com.
Published in The Register-Mail on Oct. 17, 2019
Frank Hill
I appreciate the detailed remembrance post about his life. It is obvious Louis enjoyed life to the fullest. He lived as we all hope to live, being remembered for kindness and thoughtfulness towards others, as well as, not being timid when one has an observation or opinion to make about the human condition. Louis, you were a credit to the human race. Your opinions and thoughts were expressed, no doubt, in the spirit of improving life for all of us. You appear to have done that often and well. We live in a time of great medical advances but were born too soon to be assured we will most likely survive a serious illness. It is a fear we all share, to a greater or lesser extent. It is always heartening to know that a classmate has had a full life and will be remembered by his friends and loved ones with affection. I am glad we were classmates. Sincerely, Frank Hill.