Larry Ray Friend

Larry Ray Friend, age 72 of Columbia City, IN, passed away at 3:03 am on Wednesday May 24, 2023, at his residence.  Born on August 22, 1950, in Fort Wayne, he was the son of Robert and Mary (Beckman) Friend.

Larry attended Columbia City Joint High School and graduated with the Class of 1968.  He then proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps.  On April 19, 1971, he married Shirley Carroll in Churubusco.  Larry worked for Dana Corp., Victor Gasket, and later C&A Tool as a maintenance supervisor.  He was a member of American Legion Post #98, Columbia City and enjoyed fishing, golfing, and gardening in his free time.

Survivors include his loving wife of 52 years Shirley Friend of Columbia City; children Rob Friend of Kendallville and Milissa (Michael) Berdette of Kimmell; grandchildren Shayna Daniels, Tyler Smith, Mitch Berdette, and Marcus Berdette; 7 great-grandchildren; siblings Tom (Sonya) Friend and Kathy (Rodney Geisleman) Streby, both of Columbia City; half-brother Theron Overman of Fort Wayne.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Richard Friend, Mark Friend, and Terry Friend, Sr., and Laura Lehman; half-sister Linda Turner; stepsons Steve Hawk and Jeff Hawk.

Friends may call on Thursday June 1, 2023, from 4:00-7:00 pm at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City and will conclude with military honors rendered at 7:00 pm by the Whitley County Korean War Veterans Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions in memory of Larry may be made to American Legion Post #98  

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