Obituary – Ernest “Ernie” Friend
Ernest “Ernie” Ray Friend was the youngest child of Charlie and Helen (Johnson) Friend. He was born on August 16, 1944, in Hayti, Mo. He went to be with the Lord on June 29, 2023, at the age of 78. Ernie married the love of his life on June 8, 1993. Ernie and Loretta met when Loretta’s daughter, Lisa, kept inviting him over for pie. (He was a sucker for pie!)
Ernie was saved at an early age and was an active member of Abounding Hope Church until the day of his death. He attended school at Licking, and was a member of the graduating class of 1962. After high school, Ernie moved to St. Louis for a short time and worked before returning back home to Licking, and driving a truck for his dad and Southwest. Ernie began working for Intercounty Electric in the early 1970’s where he worked for 36 years.
Ernie was a lifelong collector of cars. He enjoyed working on anything mechanical that needed to be fixed. He also enjoyed nothing more than sitting around drinking coffee or Pepsi with family, friends and the P.J.’s group.
Because of his daughter, Lisa, Ernie gained several honorary daughters including Trisha, Telena, Jennifer, Lisa M., Angel, Brandi and Carrie. These girls spent lots of time in and out of their home.
Ernie leaves behind a loving wife, Loretta, of 30 years; sisters-in-law, Myrna Friend and Eveleyne (Frank) Lewis; brother-in-law, Gerald (Lisa) Pursifull; brother-by-choice, Lonnie (Connie) Buckner; and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.
He was preceded in death by their daughter, Lisa; his parents; his sister, Irene; his brothers, Vernon (Venetta), Bobby (Shirley), and David; and his in-laws.
Ernie will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
A visitation for Ernie was held on Sunday, July 2, 2023, from 5 – 7 p.m. at Abounding Home Church. A funeral service was held on Monday, July 3, 2023, at 10 a.m. at Abounding Hope Church with Pastor Phillip McGuire, Ben Pursifull and Brother Robert Gifford officiating. Pallbearers were Roy Cook, Bob Sullins, Dale Creek, Tommy Friend, Jerry Stienbarger and Norman Dixon. Interment followed at Union Chapel Cemetery in Eunice. Memorial contributions in Ernie’s name may be made to the Abounding Hope building fund. Arrangements entrusted to Fox Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.foxfh.net.
