John T. Friend

John T. Friend Jr, 84, of New Philadelphia, died in his home on Saturday, December 31, 2011 following a period of declining health.A son of the late John T. and Rose B. (Breedlove) Friend, John was born July 30, 1927 at Comfort, West Virginia.John was drafted into the United States Army at the conclusion of World War II and served overseas in Germany. It was here that he met the love of his life, the former Ingeburg Dorr. The couple wed on October 8, 1948 at Badneuheim, Germany.In 1982, John retired from Dyneer Steel at Canton after 30 years of service as a machine operator. Following his retirement, John worked for Shanafelt Manufacturing at Canton.He was a very handy man. Over the years, he had built two of his homes and was also a certified auto mechanic and enjoyed repairing his own vehicles. John was also an avid boater who enjoyed water skiing and fishing.John was also an active volunteer with the Buckeye Council of the Boy Scouts of America. He started Boy Scout Troop #88 at Mineral City and received many awards over the years.He is survived by his wife, Ingeburg Friend of the home; his children, John F. (Betty) Friend of Canton, Barbara Jean Stallman of Seattle, Washington, Donna Kay Keith-Friend of Canton, Rosemarie (John) Hirning of Dover, Michael (Roz) Friend of Jensen Beach, Florida and David (Colleen) Friend of Mineral City; 20 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren; a sister, Lucille Chandler of West Virginia and many nieces and nephews.John was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Richard G. Friend; a grandson, Richard T. Sprankle ; two brothers and three sisters.Friends may call on Thursday, January 5, 2012 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. A funeral service celebrating John’s life will follow at 4 p.m. in the funeral home with Pastor Brian Flood officiating. A memorial reception will be held in the Hospitality Room in the Geib Funeral Center following the service. In keeping with his wishes, cremation will follow the services and inurment will be held at a later date.Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and view an online memorial by visiting the funeral home website.Contributions may be made in John’s memory to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 West Third Street, Dover, OH 44622.