Harley Friend

Harley L. Friend, 90, died peacefully Monday, April 4, 2022 at his home in Columbus, Ohio. Harley was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many and will be sorely missed by all those who knew him. He was born September 11, 1931 in Connersville, Indiana, the son of Donald and Lucy Friend. On April 12, 1953 he married Nancy C. Bohannon of Kokomo, Indiana, and they were married for almost 69 wonderful years.

Later that year, he was drafted into the Active Army to support the Korean war effort. He was assigned to Air Defense Artillery units in several locations stateside over his two-year tour of duty. After his Honorable Discharge, Harley started working for Duncan Electric in Lafayette, Indiana while also attending Purdue University. Eventually he was promoted to Supervisor of the metering department. During this 21-year period with Duncan, Harley developed many improvements in the product line and was awarded several patents.

In 1978, he went to work for Scientific Columbus in Columbus, Ohio to head up the Engineering Department. Harley retired from Scientific Columbus in 1993, and he and Nancy continued living in the same home, enjoying life with each other, their family, friends, and close neighbors.

Harley was preceded in death by his wife Nancy; two grandsons, Joshua and Feixiang Friend; as well as his parents; and brothers Howard, Maurice, and David.

Surviving Harley are his daughter Cathy Friend of Indianapolis, IN; son Todd Friend and his wife Jane of Blacklick, OH; grandsons Isaac and Daniel Friend; sisters-in-law Sara Friend of Arizona and Patricia Bohannon of Indiana; as well as many nieces and nephews and their families.

Harley’s memorial service will take place Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 12:00pm at Schoedinger Northeast, 1051 East Johnstown Road in Gahanna.