Vern Friend's Obituary
Jesse Vern Friend, known to all as “Vern”, age 101, of Howard, Kansas passed away Saturday, March 15, 2014 at his daughter’s home in Winfield, Kansas. He was born July 9, 1912 in rural Elk County, Kansas the son of Wiley Michael and Gertrude (Richardson) Friend.
On August 4, 1932 Vern was united in marriage to Florence Louise Armstrong in Eureka, Kansas. Together they lived their lives farming in Elk County until retiring in 1976 when they bought property and moved to the city of Howard in 1977. Vern was an avid fisherman and enjoyed hitting some of the local water holes and watersheds in the area. In his 70’s he bought a 10 speed bicycle and rode it many times from Howard to Severy and Moline. Along with his sister Della they provided entertainment at family reunions, schools, nursing homes and senior centers.
Vern is survived by two sons, Melvin Friend of Elk Falls, Kansas and Harold Friend of Winfield, Kansas; one daughter Louise Havens of Winfield, Kansas, 12 grandchildren and numerous great and great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Florence; daughter Phyllis Barber; son Arthur Friend; brother Forest Friend; three sisters, Ethel Criger; Violet Hebb and Della Cox.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 20, 2014 at Countryside Funeral Home with Pastor Robin Haines officiating. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to West Elk High School Music Department or Howard High School Alumni Association and may be left with the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Countryside Funeral Home in Howard.
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