Ernest “Ernie” Ray Friend was the youngest child of Charlie and Helen (Johnson) Friend. He was born on August 16, 1944, in Hayti, MO. He went to be with the Lord on June 29, 2023, at the age of 78. Ernie married the love of his life on June 8, 1993. Ernie and Loretta met when Loretta’s daughter, Lisa, kept inviting him over for pie. (He was a sucker for pie!)

Ernie was saved at an early age and was an active member of Abounding Hope Church until the day of his death. He attended school at Licking and was a member of the graduating class of 1962. After high school, Ernie moved to St. Louis for a short time and worked before returning back home to Licking and driving a truck for his dad and Southwest. Ernie began working for Intercounty Electric in the early 1970’s where he worked for 36 years.

Ernie was a lifelong collector of cars. He enjoyed working on anything mechanical that needed to be fixed. He also enjoyed nothing more than sitting around drinking coffee or Pepsi with family, friends, and the P.J.’s group.

Because of his daughter, Lisa, Ernie gained several honorary daughters including Trisha, Telena, Jennifer, Lisa M., Angel, Brandi, and Carrie. These girls spent lots of time in and out of their home.

Ernie leaves behind a loving wife, Loretta, of 30 years; sisters-in-law, Myrna Friend and Eveleyne (Frank) Lewis; brother-in-law, Gerald (Lisa) Pursifull; brother-by-choice, Lonnie (Connie) Buckner; and numerous nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by their daughter, Lisa; his parents; his sister, Irene; his brothers, Vernon (Venetta), Bobby (Shirley), and David; and his in-laws.

Ernie will be missed by all who knew and loved him.