FRIEND, Melvin Eugene - b. December 12, 1932 - d. June 11, 2014

[patyrn]

Melvin Eugene Friend, age 81, a resident of Elk Falls, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, June 11, 2014 at his home.  He was born on December 12, 1932 in Elk Falls, Kansas, the son of Jesse Vern and Florence Louise (Armstrong) Friend.  On May 10, 1959, he was united in marriage to Phyllis Lanning in Howard, Kansas.

Melvin attended rural schools at Lower Paw Paw, Lima, Fairview, and Fiat and graduated from Howard High School.  After graduating high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and completed his basic training at Fort Riley, Kansas.  After completing 25+ years in the Army Reserve, he retired in 1993.  Melvin worked in the oil fields and also was a road worker.  He was a member of the American Legion Ferguson-Spease Post #388 in Moline, Kansas.

Melvin is survived by his wife, Phyllis of the home; 3 daughters, Linda Majewski of Independence, Kansas, Laura Rivera of St. Cloud, Minnesota, and Christina Friend of Elk Falls, Kansas; one son, Melvin Friend, Jr. of Franklin, Kansas; one brother, Harold Friend of Winfield, Kansas; one sister, Louise Havens of Winfield, Kansas; 6 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Phyllis Barber; and one brother, Arthur Friend.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at Countryside Funeral Home in Howard, Kansas with Pastor Mack Byard officiating.  Visitation will be Monday, June 16, 2014 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  Interment will be at Elk Falls Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to the Cancer Center of Kansas in Independence, Kansas or Harry Hynes Hospice 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, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)