Dewitt Freeman Friend Jr.

DeWitt Freeman Friend Jr., age 89, of Plain City, Ohio, passed away on March 5, 2025. Born on March 27, 1936, in Akron, Ohio, to DeWitt and Margaret (Knippenberg) Friend Sr., he graduated from West High School in 1955. There he met his high school sweetheart, Reta Bowers, and they married on October 12, 1957. Together they raised five children.

DeWitt began his career as a tool and die maker at Westinghouse in 1953, continuing until 1981. He later worked at Rockwell International from 1981 to 1988 and at Nipper from 1988 until his retirement in 2001. A dedicated member of the West Jefferson Masonic Lodge 221 F&M for more than 50 years, he remained active in the organization throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Reta A. (Bowers) Friend on June 15, 2025, his parents DeWitt Sr. and Margaret Friend, his in-laws Howard and Juanita Bowers, his sister and brother-in-law Marion and Allen Anderson of Lucas, Ohio, and his sister and brother-in-law Charlene and Jerry Peters of Madison, Indiana.

DeWitt is survived by his children, DeWitt (Cheryl) Friend III of Ashley, Ohio, Kim (Jeff) VanMeter of Huber Heights, Ohio, Howard (Cindy) Friend of Galloway, Ohio, John Friend of Plain City, and Matthew (Karen) Friend of Plain City, Ohio; 11 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild due in May. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews.