Feb 7, 2013

Otis Ira “Junior” Friend Jr., 84, of Marianna, died Thursday, February 7, 2013, in Washington County Health Center, Chartiers Township.

He was born November 21, 1928, in Dutch Glory, Washington County, a son of the late Otis Ira and May Bowie Friend.

Mr. Friend worked as a contractor for Merle Smith and John Gayman for several years, before working for Millsboro Lumber Co. He later became a self-employed contractor for many years.

He proudly served in the U.S. Army Air Forces in Germany during World War II and the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.

Mr. Friend was a lifelong member of Highland Brethren Church, where he served as a deacon, trustee and teacher. He was on the Highland Cemetery Association Board.

He enjoyed any activity at the church, deep sea fishing, spending time with family, woodwork and just working in general and teaching others his trade.

On July 3, 1950, he married Mary Joan Jestat, who died in August 2000.

Surviving are his second wife, Rose Phillips Hunter, whom he married January 20, 2001; two daughters, Barbara (Anthony Wayne) Slack of Marianna and Ann Christine (Danny Paul) Dulaney of Cheyenne, Wy.; a son, Terry (Rea) Friend of Beallsville; a stepdaughter, Karen LeBlanc; three sisters, Nellie Cox, Virginia (Leo) Clutter and Martha McAfee; six grandchildren, Barbara, Andrea, Sharon, Erin, Jennifer and Leslie; four stepgrandchildren, Alicia, Steven, Ian and Kristen; 13 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Deceased, in addition to his first wife and parents, are a granddaughter, Laura Friend; a grandson, Jason Dulaney; a brother, David Friend; a stepsister, Dorothy Shargots; and three stepbrothers, Bob Kearney, Ed Kearney and Roy McCarty.

Family and friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday in Nichol Funeral Home, 1728 Main Street, Marianna, PA 15345. Additional visitation will be held from 1 to 3 p.m., the time of service, Monday, February 11, in Highland Brethren Church, 450 Highland Ridge Road, Marianna, PA 15345, with Pastor Tim Lindsey officiating. Interment will follow in Highland Cemetery, Marianna. Memorial donations may be made to Highland Brethren Church, Highland Cemetery Association, Child Evangelism or a charity of one’s choice. A guest book may be viewed and signed at www.nicholfuneralhome.com.