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CORTLAND - Gary Dayton Friend, 79, passed away Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, at his beloved homeplace in Hazelton, W.Va., following a brief battle with prostate cancer.
The son of the late Dayton Owen and Bertha Olive Friend, he was born on Oct. 31, 1946, in Hazelton.
In 1966, Gary left the homeplace to join the U.S. Army, where he served in the Vietnam War as a mail carrier. In 1968, he returned to the States and relocated to the Northeastern Ohio region and served in the Army Reserve until his honorable discharge in 1972. He worked in the automotive industry as a plant supervisor at Packard Electric, from where he retired in 2003.
He married Nancy in 1985, and they had their son, Justin, alongside Nancy's daughter Kimberly.
Gary spent the continuance of his life as a husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to many others, as he continually added faith, love, happiness and joy in numerous lives. He was an active member of the Moose Lodge, the American Legion and a life member of the AMVETS.
He loved spending time with his "WV Friends" at Scoops in Hazelton, and his "OH Friends" at Jack's in Howland. Many memories and lifelong friendships were formed along the way.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Dayton Owen and Bertha Olive; his wife, Nancy Lea Friend; and brothers, Ronald, Chuck, Gene, Ray and Dale.
Surviving members of his family include his son, Justin (Amanda); daughter, Kim (John) Vogt; his grandsons, Austin (Emma) Vogt and Hunter Friend; his brothers, Marvin (Louella), Larry (Linda) and Darrell (Ann); and his sisters, Barbara Mandley, Juanita Barney, Janet Riley, Linda Cameron and Carol Friend. He also leaves behind his beloved fur grandbabies, Daisy, Lola and Koda.
His laughter will be missed, but his memory will always remain as one of the truest, genuine, caring and loving persons that you have met.
"We LOVE you, and God rest your soul."
Memorials will take place later in both Ohio and West Virginia. Family and friends will be notified.
Carl R. Spear Funeral Home in Brandonville-Bruceton Mills, W.Va., is assisting the family.
(special notice)