Dewitt Freeman Friend Jr.

DeWitt Freeman Friend Jr, age 89, of Plain City, Ohio passed away on March 5th, 2025. DeWitt was born on March 27, 1936 in Akron, Ohio to DeWitt and Margaret (Knippenberg) Friend Sr. DeWitt was a 1955 graduate of West High School where he met and married his high school sweetheart Reta (Bowers). They were united in marriage on October 12, 1957. Together, they raised five children.

DeWitt started his career as a tool and die maker with Westinghouse in 1953, ending in 1981. Rockwell International from 1981 to 1988 and Nipper from 1988 to 2001. He was a 50 plus year member of the West Jefferson Masonic Lodge 221 F&M.

DeWitt was preceded in death by his wife, Reta A. (Bowers) June 15, 2025, his parents DeWitt Sr. and Margaret Friend, mother and father in law Howard and Juanita Bowers, sister and brother in law Marion and Allen Anderson of Lucas, Ohio, 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 the residence, Matthew (Karen) Friend of Plain City, Ohio, 11 grandchildren: 12 great-grandchildren: and one great-great child: due in May. DeWitt is also survived: by many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Friday March 20th, 2026 from 10 AM-Noon, Masonic ceremony at 11:30 AM, with a funeral service to follow at Noon with Pastor Phil Conrad officiating. Interment to follow at Sunset Cemetery in Galloway, Ohio.

Please visit www.fergusonfuneralhomeinc.com to share a special memory. Ferguson Funeral Home is honored to care for the Friend family.