Billy Friend

May 25, 1929 - February 17, 2021

Billy Lynn Friend passed away on February 15, 2021 at Truman Veterans Medical Center Columbia, MO at the age of 91 years. Bill was born in Mountain Veiw, Missouri on May 25, 1929 to the late Sovereign and Josephine Friend. In 1951, Bill and Thelma Williams were united in marriage, this union was blessed with three children. Bill is survived by his children, Michael (Carol) Friend of Olathe, KS, Joyce (Bud) Yearwood of Birch Tree, MO, and Roy (Le) Friend of Newport News, VA. Bill was the proud grandfather of Chad, Kimberly, Sean, Nathan, Justin and Wayne along with nine great-grand children. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his sisters, Marie and Vena; brothers, Derwood, Jerry, and Joe. Enlisting in 1946 at the age of 17, Bill proudly served his Country in the Army Air Core as part of the occupying force in Japan. He loved the Air Force, his career afforded him the opportunity to learn the latest communications technology; he delighted in traveling the world which afforded him the opportunity to travel to China, Africa, Turkey, Bermuda, Italy, Germany, Great Britain, Korea, Japan, Greenland, France, Belgium, and 18 states. Recognizing his ability to lead and train others he was frequently asked to lead ORI inspection teams. Bill ended his 25-year military career with the 9th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 49th Tactical Fighter Wing, at Holoman AFB, Alamogordo, NM. After retirement, he lived in Mountain View MO, Austin and Garland, TX before settling in Salem MO near his son and family, where he remained until his death. Funeral service for Billy Friend will be held Tuesday, February, 23 2021 at 12:00PM at the James & Gahr Chapel in Salem, Missouri. Full Military Honors will be held following the service. Visitation will be at the Chapel prior to the service from 11:00-12:00. Memorials are suggested to the American Legion Post 99. Cards are available at any James & Gahr location.