Gary Dayton Friend

Gary Dayton Friend, 79, of Cortland Ohio, passed away Sunday 11 OCT 2026 at his beloved homeplace in Hazelton, West Virginia where he was born on 31 OCT 1946 following a brief battle with prostate cancer.

He left the homeplace to join the US Army in 1966 where he served in the Vietnam War as a mail carrier. After his Honorable Discharge he returned to the States in 1968 and relocated to the Northeastern OH region and obtained a job in the automotive industry as a plant supervisor at Packard Electric where he would end up retiring from in 2003.

He married Nancy in 1985, and they had their son Justin alongside her daughter Kimberly.

He then spent the continuance of his life as a Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother and Friend to many others as he continually added Faith, Love, Happiness and Joy in numerous lives daily. He was an active member of the Moose Lodge, American Legion, and Life Member of the Amvets.

He loved spending time with his WV friends at Scoops in Hazelton and his OH Friends at Jack’s in Howland. Many memories had and lifelong friends were made along the way.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Dayton Owen and Bertha Olive, Wife: Nancy Lee Friend, Brothers: Ronald, Chuck, Gene, Ray, and Dale.

Surviving Members of his Family include Son, Justin (Amanda), Daughter Kim (John) Vogt, Grandsons: Austin (Emma) Vogt, Hunter Friend. Brothers: Marvin (Louella), Larry (Linda) and Darrell (Ann) Sisters: Barbara Mandley, Juanita Barney, Janet Riley, Linda Cameron, and Carol Friend. He also leaves behind his beloved fur grandbabies: Daisy, Lola, and Koda.

His laughter will be missed but his memory will always remain as one of the truest, genuine, caring, and loving people that you have met.

We LOVE you and God rest your soul.

Memorials will take place later in both Ohio and West Virginia. Family and friends will be notified.