Richard Lee Friend

Born January 31, 1935 in Havana to Adrian Lee and Hilda Pauline (Siltman) Friend, he married Margaret Irene Blankenship on June 1, 1958 at Forest Hill United Methodist Church in Peoria. She survives.

Also surviving are his three children, Kathleen (Gary) Weaver of Havana, Annette Hulva of Shorewood and Danny (Kelly) Friend of Creve Coeur; six grandchildren, Gary Weaver, Jr., Traci Weaver, Kristin Strausbaugh, Gregory Hulva, Madelyn Friend and MacKenzie Friend and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one son-in-law, Randal Hulva.

Richard served eight years in the Naval Reserves.

A 1953 graduate of East Peoria Community High School, he was selected a Midstate 9 lineman in 1952. He had worked in the UFCW Meatcutters Union for 50 years, retiring in 2000. He continued working parttime at the Mackinaw IGA for some time.

Richard and Margaret were snowbirds, flocking to Ft. Myers Beach for 20 years. Most days, Richard would be found sitting out in the sunshine, fishing, boating or running his flea market business. In his younger years, he enjoyed riding motorcycles.

His funeral will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, February 6, 2025 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Creve Coeur. Pastor Dwight Winnett will officiate. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria.

Memorial contributions can be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com