Carl Eugene Friend

Thornfield, Missouri

Carl Eugene Friend, 85 years, passed away on July 15, 2023 at Cox South Medical Center in Springfield, MO with his family by his side.

Carl was born November 20, 1937 in Ozark County, MO to Virdie Friend.

He was raised in Ozark County. He was a Veteran and served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

On July 17, 1976 Carl and Alma Lee Langston were united in marriage in Springfield, MO.

Carl was a Truck Driver for many years with Wilcox Trucking. He also was a Farmer. He enjoyed trail riding, hunting and fishing. Carl enjoyed people and loved to visit. His kindness with everyone he met was felt. He never met a stranger. He was a Christian and a member of  the Thornfield General Baptist Church. Carl had been one of the main caretakers of Thornfield Cemetery for over 20 years.

Carl was preceded in death by his mother, Virdie; his first wife, Kathryn, his wife of many years, Alma Lee in 2010; two brothers, Ronnie and James Trent and a sister, Ethel Mae Johnson and a step son, Steve Potter.

He is survived by his children; Debbie Bills, Sandy Perryman and Steve Friend, his step daughters, Kim Jackson, Teresa Remington and Ginger Neely; 12 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; two sisters, Wanda Lilly and Jurldean Strong; many nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives, friends and his best friend, his dog, Jake.

Funeral services for Carl will be Thursday, July 20, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. in the Clinkingbeard Chapel, Ava, MO with burial following in the Thornfield Cemetery, Thornfield, MO with full military honors by the Troy Herd American Legion #112 and U.S. Army Detail. A Visitation will be on Thursday prior to the service at 9:00 A.M.  Officiating will be Pastor David Dye. Family requests donations to the Thornfield Cemetery.