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Thomas Edward Friend, Sr., 88, passed away on February 11, 2024, at Reynolds Memorial Hospital-WVU in Glen Dale, West Virginia. He was born on April 1, 1935, in York Run, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, a son of the late Daniel French Friend and Recca (Hawkins) Friend.
Throughout his career, Thomas made a profound impact in the coal mining industry. He worked as a longwall Foreman for Consolidation Coal Company, putting in countless hours at the McElroy & Ireland Coal Mines. His commitment to safety and welfare led him to join the Miner's Rescue Team and become a proud member of the UMWA 1638, where he served as Financial Secretary for the Mine and Safety Committee. Thomas' hard work and expertise eventually led him to become a longwall boss, earning his retirement from Ireland Mine in 1990.
In addition to his professional achievements, Thomas was also a dedicated serviceman. He proudly served in the United States Navy during the Korean War and later continued his service in the USMC Reserves and Naval Reserves. His time in the military instilled in him a sense of duty, discipline, and honor that remained with him throughout his life.
Thomas' presence was felt not only in his professional and military endeavors but also within the community. He was a lifetime member of the Marshall County Hunting and Fishing Club, where he shared his passion for the outdoors with fellow enthusiasts.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings, Daniel James Friend, Thelma (James) Rinehart, Shirley (Nolan) Sutton.
He is survived by his loving wife, Beverly Friend, of Shadyside, Ohio; sons, Thomas (Melissa) Friend of Bethesda, Ohio, Mark (Beth) Friend of Arlington, Texas, William (Crystal) Garamella of Moundsville, West Virginia; seven grandchildren, Rachel Hannahs, Jennifer Starkey, Kristin Fulton, Mark Friend, Danielle Friend, Ashley Garamella, Tyler Garamella; and five great grandchildren.
Family and friends can be received at the Bauknecht-Altmeyer Funeral Home 3900 Central Avenue, Shadyside, Ohio 43947 on Friday, February 16, 2024 from 2:00 pm-6:00 pm. Additional visitation will be on Saturday, February 17, 2024 from 12:00 pm-12:45 pm at the Funeral Home with Mass at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Shadyside, Ohio at 1:00 pm with Father Daniel Heusel as celebrant. Burial to follow at Holly Memorial Gardens, Colerain, Ohio, with full military honors by Belmont County Veterans.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Marshall Co. Hunting and Fishing Club at TMCFunding.com
Please share your thoughts and memories of Thomas at bauknechtaltmeyer. com.