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The family of John Phillip Friend is deeply saddened to announce his passing on Friday, April 17, 2026. Born on November 2, 1958, in Denver, Colorado, John lived a full and remarkable life. His family moved to Missouri in 1965. He graduated from Odessa High School in 1977. Shortly after John married the perfect love of his life, Kate, on August 5, 1978. John worked in the cutting tool industry and ended his career as the sales manager of the western half of the United States. He and Kate shared a happy life raising three daughters and traveling. John touched the hearts of everyone he met through sharing the love of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Ghost. It was his greatest joy. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 48 years Kathy (Kate) Friend, his daughters Jennifer Friend, Rachael (Eben) Sanchez, and Katie Friend, his grandchildren Marley and Faith Sanchez and Chloe and John Terry, and his siblings Hannah Anderson, Marlena (Andrew) Friend-Farago, Nita Dillon, James (Joey) Friend and Peter (Teresa) Friend and many cherished “other” friends. A celebration of life will be held at the First Baptist Church of Odessa on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 10:00 am.