Gary E Friend

Gary E. Friend, 79, of Colona, IL, passed away, Saturday, April 24, 2021, at his home.

Private funeral services will be held.  Public visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 28, 2021, at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., Moline.  Burial will be at Dayton Cemetery in Dayton Corners, Colona.  A Celebration of Life will be held at Silvis Eagles Club, Saturday, May 1, 2021 from 12:00-4:00 p.m.  Memorials may be made to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.  In accordance with restrictions, attendees are expected to wear a face mask and observe social distancing.

Gary was born on December 27, 1941, in Rock Island, the son of Fred and Dororthy (Carlson) Friend.  He married Beverly Tyner on December 2, 1960 in Green Rock, IL.  Gary was a Veteran serving in the United States Army.  He was a member of the American Legion #1233 Colona and Fraternal Order of Eagles.  He loved golf, deer hunting, mushroom hunting, bags, nature and being outdoors.  Gary enjoyed going out to his retreat in Erie.  Music was his passion in life.  He was a Nashville recording artist.

Survivors include his wife, daughters, Tina (Pat) Cocquit, Galesburg, Lisa (Shayne) Glynn, Colona, Kathy (Dave) Cornell, Colona; sons, Fred (Jo) Friend, Colona, Mark Friend, Colona; grandchildren, Ryan Cocquit, Geneseo, Ashley (Travis) Casteel, Cambridge, Zachery Cornell, Colona, Gary Friend Jr., Davenport, Destiny Jenkins, St. Petersburg, FL, Alexis Keegan, Colona, and Madison Cornell, Colona; great grandchildren, Collette, Cambell, Preslee, Seth, Ariana, Finn, Maverick, Bowie; sister, Sharon Nagovan, Rock Island; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Larry Friend; sister, Diane N; granddaughter, Amber Friend.

Memories may be shared online by visiting the tribute wall.