Charles "Chuck" Friend passed away August 5, 2012 at the age of 81. Charles was born in Coldwater Kansas on September 30th 1930 to the late Nobel Russell and Nellie Elizabeth (Squires) Friend. He was the youngest of four children. He moved to Colorado with his family in 1948, they purchased a ranch in Chaffee County and raised cattle. Chuck Friend was only 19 when he married Retha Joanne Orr, only 15 at the time. They lived on the ranch and expanded their family with 5 children. Then in 1966 they moved the family to Fremont County, into an old house where they quickly made it a home. The house was large, so with reluctance he agreed to expand their family and welcome into their home foster children. They welcomed more than 80 children into the family through the years. Most of the older children continued to keep in touch with them. Though Chuck was a loving father and mentor, he was known as Sergeant Friend. He worked for the Correctional Department for over 26 years; he took great pride in his job and even enjoyed the opportunity to further his education. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife of 53 years, son Richard Ray Friend, siblings Russell Friend, Bernard Friend, Emma Friend Ogden, and great grandson Morgan Russo. Survived by daughters Peggy (Robert Hankins) Friend, Shirley (Anthony) DeLeo, Gwenda (Chester) Havens, Judith (Charles) Raines, 14 grandchildren Victoria Vigil, Jeanette Russo, Nathan Friend, Michelle Mansheim, Chuck Klire, Lisa Anderson, Shilo DeLeo, Chester Havens, Joanne Hiemer, Freeman Havens, Lucas Havens, Nobel Havens, Retha Barton, Crystal Mazel, 20 great grandchildren, numerous brothers and sisters and grandchildren that he welcomed into the family. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Living Stone Calvary Chapel 830 Bridge St in Canon City on Friday the 10th at 4:30. Pastor Sean Meagher will officiate. Online condolences at charlesanthonyfh.com

.Published in The Canon City Daily Record on August 9, 2012 Print | View Guest Book .Helpful Links