ALBANY – Jerry U. Friend, age 85, Albany, died 12:04 a.m. Sunday, April 20, 2014, at Albany Health Care & Rehabilitation Center.  On Feb. 9, 1929, he was born at home in Blackford County, the son of Wilbur L. & Lenore (Holcroft) Friend.  Jerry grew up in the Dunkirk/Millgrove area and was a 1947 graduate of Dunkirk High School.  He went to barber school in Indianapolis and was in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.  He lived in Florida from 1973-2003 and various locations in Indiana before settling near Albany.  While in Florida he delivered freight for Eastern Airlines and performed various duties at Zimmer.  He was also a caregiver for several people.  Jerry retired after working several years as a self-employed barber.  He was a member of First Baptist Church of Morningside, Muncie, and enjoyed guns and hunting.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Donna B. Friend; a son: Grant U. Friend, Cartersville, GA; 3 daughters: Gayle L. Miller (husband: Ron), Pinellas Park, FL, Geriann Watts (husband: Gene), Chipley, FL, and Jody L. Fairo, Albany; 3 sisters: Peggy J. Smith (husband: Harold), Dunkirk, Betty Ann Frazee, Muncie, and Janet Ashcraft (husband: Bob), Muncie; 7 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and several nieces & nephews.

His parents and a sister, Judy Dhonau, are deceased.

Services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2014, at Meacham Funeral Service, Albany, with burial following at Black Cemetery.  Military rites will be provided by Veterans of Delaware County Honor Guard.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday from 5-9 at the funeral home.

Memorials may be sent to First Baptist Church of Morningside, Muncie.