Donald E Friend

Donald E. Friend-July 26, 1935 to May 12, 2026

Don's story was one of determination, resilience, love, and family. He was born in DeLeon Springs, Florida, the youngest of eight children born to Charles and Laura Friend. Life was not always easy for him. At just 14 years old, he left home with only a middle school education and set out to make his own way in the world. Most people would have been overwhelmed by that kind of beginning, but Don faced life head-on, with courage and grit that would define the man he became.

After several years of traveling, he eventually made his way to Chicago, and that is where his real adventure began-because that is where he met Edith, the love of his life. Don was 17, Edith only 15, when they married in a courthouse ceremony in Indiana. Together, they built a life grounded in love, loyalty, and hard work.

Their family grew quickly with the arrival of Rita, followed just 16 months later by Don Jr. And years later, after the older children were already in school, Cheryl arrived as a happy surprise. Don loved being a father, and his family was always at the center of his life.

Although he started with little formal education, Don never stopped striving to improve himself. He earned his GED and attended DeVry Technical School, where he learned tool and die making. He spent 15 years working at Sloan Valve in Chicago, providing for his family through hard work and dedication. Eventually, he decided he had enough of the brutal Illinois winters and brought his family back home to Florida.

One of the things Don was most proud of was retiring at the age of 60. For a man who had started with so little, that accomplishment meant everything. Retirement opened the door to one of his greatest joys-traveling. Don especially loved cruising, and he and Edith shared many wonderful voyages together with family and friends. Those trips created memories and stories that will live on in all who shared them.

But more than the places he visited or the work he did, Don will be remembered for the life he built and the people he loved. He showed us that success is not measured by where you begin, but by the strength, perseverance, and love you carry through life. He taught us the value of hard work, commitment to family, and finding joy in the simple things.

Today, while we grieve his loss, we also celebrate the incredible life he lived. A life filled with perseverance, devotion, laughter, travel, and love.

A funeral service will be held in his honor at Highland Funeral Home on June 27, 2026 at 11:00 am.

And though Don may no longer be with us in person, the lessons he taught, the memories he created, and the love he gave so freely will remain with all of us forever.

Thank you, Don, for the example you set and the family you built. You will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.