Truman J. Friday

Truman J. Friday, 91, of Midland joined his Lord and Savior on Thursday, February 17, 2011. He was born on Friday, May 9, 1919 in Henderson County, Texas to Wilton Floyd Friday and Jesse Dora (Reece) Friday. He came to Midland in 1932 from Lamesa, Texas and started working in his uncles boot shop shortly thereafter. Over the years Truman would later own his own Boot and Saddle Shops in Midland, Stanton and Andrews. While in Stanton, he made the first saddle in Martin County. Truman owned and operated “Friday’s Boot & Shoe Repair” where he was a very skilled leather craftsman. For many years making the Sam Browns for the Midland Police Department as well as some for the DPS. Truman had a love of music that would last a lifetime. In the late 1930’s this would be shown through having a band that played on the radio station KRLH that is known today as KCRS. In those days various stars such as Ernest Tubb would stop by and make a guest appearance, usually trying to make enough money to get to their next gig. He was an accomplished musician- playing guitar; fiddle, piano, and organ and he personally wrote many beautiful songs. Then in 1942 he was called to duty by the Army Air Corp and served in the military until 1945 having spent the remainder of his tour at the Midland Air Base, which is now known as Midland International Airport. Truman served in many capacities over the years, to include a Scout Master, a police officer and a deputy sheriff for both the Midland and Martin Counties. He worked for the Texas Department of MHMR working with young people, teaching them different types of trades so they could become self sufficient. At one point of his life in the late 1960’s, he could be found playing the baptizing preacher in the movie “Midnight Cowboy”, starring Jon Voit and Dustin Hoffman. In 1952 Truman’s life would make a dramatic change. He was ordained as a Baptist Minister. In 1953 he founded what is now known as Kentucky Street Baptist Church and in most recent years pastured South Memorial Baptist Church. He also founded the Sandy Acres Baptist Church and traveled throughout West Texas and Oklahoma preaching revivals and scrving as interim pastor for several churches. During his long ministry he joined many couples in matrimony who have celebrated 50+ years. Truman never met a stranger, and everybody always liked to hear his stories and his jokes, especially his grandchildren. Truman was a fun loving man but his one desire in life was to see that each of his children and grandchildren be saved. One of Truman’s most special gifts was his unbelievable talent of expressing his great love of the Lord and desire to lead others to salvation. Although incapicated in a wheel chair during his last days he continued to give away free bibles and preached and sang to the other resident at the Leman-Lusk-Sanchez Veterans Home in Big Spring where the lovingly referred to him as “Reverend”. Truman met and married Louise Roberson (Friday) on June 28, 1939-1979. To his union was born two daughters, Sharon D. Hale (Clayton) of Midland, and Carla Jo Hodges (Johnny) of Midland as well. Other survivors include seven grandchildren: Kayla Rawlings, Randy Wells, Greg Wells, Blaine Hale, Brandon Hodges, Amanda Hodges, and Katie Hodges all of Midland. Eleven great-grandchildren and seventeen great great grandchildren. His loving wife and caregiver Joy Newton Friday, two step-daughters Phala Kasseroler (Ken) of Midland, and Trish Thompson (Scott) of Midland and Ruidoso. Five step-grandchildren and ten great step grandchildren. Also surviving are three stepsons, Mark (Susan), Gary (Tina), and Glenn Davidson. One sister Lilean Kinsey of Midland, and one brother Corby D. Friday (Polly) of Mincola.