Michael Friend

Michael Stephen Friend, 58, went to the kingdom of heaven on June 11, 2009 after an affliction of cancer. A Christian Service of Death and Resurrection will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church on Sunday, June 14, 2009 at 2:00 pm with the Rev. Dr. Tom Beaty officiating. Visitation will be Saturday, June 13, 2009 from 5:00– 7:00 pm.

Mike was born in Weslaco, Texas on September 20, 1950 to Henry Klaud & Edith Bell (Foster) Friend and grew up on a farm near Santa Rosa, Texas. Mike and his brother, Bill, had a great childhood on that farm. On April 2, 1961 Mike was baptized and confirmed in the Santa Rosas United Methodist Church.
Mike graduated from Santa Rosa High School in 1968 winning for his school the Texas State Tennis doubles championships in 1967 &1968. After graduation he played two years of tennis for Central Texas College before transferring to the University of Texas Pan America where he received his Bachelor of Arts, history major. In 1973 he began teaching history and coaching tennis at Coakley Junior High in Harlingen. After earning his Masters of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from The University of Texas, Mike taught Texas history four additional years at Memorial Jr. High in Harlingen.

In 1990, Mike switched careers and moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma where he worked for American Airlines, SABRE Computer Systems. It was there he met the love of his life, Margaret, whom he married on May 22, 1993. They worked together at SABRE and enjoyed living in Jenks, Oklahoma. In 2000, Margaret entered into the pastorate with the United Methodist Church in Bartlesville, OK and then they were transferred to Southwestern Oklahoma. Mike returned to teaching history in 2002 in the town of Reydon, OK.

In 2004, Michael & Margaret moved to Waco, Texas where Mike enjoyed teaching history at McLennan Community College. In November of 2008 they made their home, with their four legged children, in the beautiful hill community of Clifton, TX and became members of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. Michael Stephen Friend was preceded in death by his loving parents: Henry Klaud Friend and Edith Bell Foster Friend.

Mike is survived by his wife; Margaret Ann Friend of Clifton, Texas; brother, William Friend of Santa Rosa; sister-in-law Susan Crockett and husband Brian; and three nieces Katherine, Laura & Rebecca Crockett.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to either Bosque Animal Rescue Kennels P.O. Box 264, Clifton, TX 76634 or Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 152 CR 4145, Clifton, TX 76634.

Saturday June 13, 2009 , 5:00 - 7:00 PM at Grace Gardens Funeral Home and Crematorium

Sunday June 14, 2009 , 2:00 PM at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church