Marion Lester Friend Jr

Bub’s Obituary

Marion Lester “Bub” Friend, age 80, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026. He was born on June 14, 1945, in Liberal Kansas but raised in Oklahoma where he was baptized at the Community of Christ Church. Bub was proud of his Oklahoma roots and carried the values of family, service, hard work, and helping others throughout his life.

Bub proudly served his country for 20 years in the United States Air Force as a Security Forces Specialist and Emergency Medical Technician. Following his military retirement, he continued his career as an EMT with the Florida State Prison for 18 years. He later managed Spencer’s Western Wear, was Santa Claus for the community pets, was an accomplished woodworker, and a dependable neighborhood handyman.

Bub was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Naty Friend; his 4 children, Rose Gentile (and spouse Brad), Joseph Friend, Jennifer Griffiths (and spouse Brian), and Julius Friend; his 11 grandchildren, Bryan, John, Lindsay, Michael, Joseph, Anthony, Sebastian, Maliya, Jazlyn, Caden, and Aaliyah; his 10 great-grandchildren, Everley, Ariana, Jordan, Mila, Michael Jr., Emma, TJ, Elijah, Aiden, and Jesse. He also leaves behind his 2 sisters, Sheila Hall and Sharon Talbot, his 2 nephews, Dale Hall (and spouse Lisa), and Michael Talbot (and spouse Rainey); his niece, Lannette Counts (and spouse Steven); great-nephew, Matthew Hall (and spouse Courtney); 3 great-nieces, Elizabeth Wolverton (and spouse Zachary), Mackenzie Talbot, and Emily Talbot; 4 cousins, Bert Wise, Mildred Harder (and spouse John), Elissa Wise, and Natalie Brown.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marion Lester and Anna Marie Friend; his brother-in-law, Bill Talbot, and nephew Patrick Talbot.

Bub will be remembered for his generous heart, strong work ethic, sense of humor, love of family, and willingness to help others. He leaves behind a lifetime of cherished memories and a legacy in the many lives he touched. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who’ve had the privilege of knowing and loving him. May he rest in peace.

A Funeral Service will be held on Oct 3rd, at 11:00 a.m. at Woodland Cemetery, Cleveland, Oklahoma, 74020.