Edgar V. Friend Jr.

Zanesville – Edgar V. “Doc” Friend, Jr., 94 of Zanesville, died January 18, 2024, at Morrison House, Zanesville, Ohio.

Born 29 October 1929 in Middletown, New York, he was the son of the late Dr. Edgar V. and Ruth Cowley Friend.  He was a career U. S. Army officer having retired as a Lt. Colonel.  A Distinguished Military Graduate of Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont, he entered and served as a regular Army officer in the Transportation Corps after extensive service in both the Anti-Aircraft and Field Artillery.  During his military career he served in many and varied capacities while stationed in the United States, Germany, Korea, Turkey, Vietnam and Japan.  Among his many military awards are the Meritorious Service Medal and the Bronze Star. He was a life member of the VFW and the Military Officer’s Association of America. He was also a member of American Legion Post 29.

Following his active-duty military career he undertook a second career as an administrator in county government.  In this capacity he worked as a grant coordinator and program director for the County of Orange, New York; Burlington County, New Jersey and as Procurement Director for Muskingum County and the City of Zanesville. Sandwiched between the New Jersey and Ohio activities he was an owner/partner in a coal mining venture known as Irish Ridge Coal/Trucking Company which operated out of Philo.

He was predeceased by his wife, Grace Marion Helgesen Friend, whom he married 10 June 1951. He is survived by two daughters, Kristine Dodson of Frazeysburg, OH and Lori Friend of Gahanna, OH; one son, Neil (Julie) Friend, of Lewis Center, OH; four granddaughters, Brandi (Brian) Byers, Susan (Steven) Lopez, Nicole Leggett and Rebecca (Alex) Friend Cachapero; five great grandchildren; two great, great grandchildren.

No calling hours will be observed.

A caring cremation will take place under the direction of the BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL & CREMATORY 1271 BLUE AVENUE, ZANESVILLE.

Private family burial will be held at a date to be determined.

To send a note of condolence: visit www.bolin-dierkesfuneralhome.com , follow us on Facebook, or call our professional staff at 740-452-4551.