David Joe Friend

David Joe Friend, 69, of San Jose was called to his eternal home at 4:50 p.m. on December 23, 2015 after a six year battle with esophageal cancer.
He was born March 18, 1946 in Beardstown, IL, son of the late Richard and Lieura Lippert Friend. He married Bonnie Baker, January 27, 1968 at Havana, IL.
David is survived by his wife, Bonnie, of San Jose, son Anthony (Rosenna) of Algonquin, son Rodney of Tampa, FL, granddaughters Isabelle, Angelique, Justine and Jasmine. His siblings are Donna Thompson of Havana, Earla (Larry) Blessman of Bath, Arveda (Howard) Pence of Pawnee, Duane (Gail) Friend of Jacksonville, nieces Kim McCoy, Kaleigh Moore, nephews Brad McCoy, Roger McCoy and Jacob Friend.
David served in the Air National Guard with the 169 Tactical Air Support Squadron of Illinois and later the 182nd Tactical Air Support Group, attaining the rank of Sargent. He retired after 44 ½ years with Caterpillar Inc. and enjoyed farming his family farm. Always interested in learning new things, he completed many courses in technical repair, electronics and metallurgy. He was an active member of St. Luke Lutheran Church and especially  enjoyed his many years as a trustee.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, December 28, 2015 at St. Luke Lutheran Church at San Jose at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the services. Rev. Justin Schmidt will officiate. Burial will follow the services at Bath Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Illinois Cancer Care Foundation of Peoria or St. Luke Lutheran Memorial Fund. Online memorial messages may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com.
Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.