David G. Friend, 58, died Friday July 26, 2013 at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau, MO. He was born Feb. 22, 1955 at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas to Patricia (Stoker) Friend Leible who survives of Sikeston and the late Allie Gene Friend. A life-long resident of Sikeston, he was a member of St. Francis Xavier Church and Sikeston Elks Lodge #2319. He had a bachelor degree in political science from Southeast Missouri State University and was director of laundry and central services at Missouri Delta Medical Center. On May 11, 1979 he was married to Susan Parmenter and she preceded him in death May 15, 2002. In addition to his mother, he is survived by 2 sons and 1 daughter-in-law, Patrick and Monique Miller of San Antonio, Tx and Brent Friend of Charlotte, North Carolina One daughter and son-in-law, Kristin Friend and Kevin Hopkins of Charlotte. His special friend and companion, Darline Swope of the home; 1 brother, Doug & Cindy Friend of Sikeston and 1 sister, Detricia "Dee Dee" and Paul Boyd of Sikeston; and by two granddaughters, Makena & Malia Miller of San Antonio. Besides his father, he was also preceded in death by his step-father, Joe Leible. David was a life long Cardinal baseball fan, and a passionate follower of Mizzou football, baseball and basketball. He loved his family and his dogs, and he cherished his many close friendships. David faced several struggles over his life, yet he rarely dwelled upon them, choosing instead to enjoy life as it presented itself. Many of David's favorite days were spent fishing at Reelfoot Lake and watching football and horse racing in Las Vegas. He will be missed by all. There will be an Elks Memorial Service at 11:00 am Tuesday at Blanchard Funeral Chapel. Visitation will follow until Memorial Service at 1:00 pm with Rev. Fred Ritter of Marble Hill followed by a Catholic Prayer service with Rev. Patrick Nwokoye, pastor of St. Francis Xavier Church officiating.
The family requests memorial contributions in his honor to either: Juvenile Diabetes Association, Sikeston Area Humane Society or Missouri Delta Medical Center Foundation. Online condolences may be sent to the family at blanchardfuneral.com