Richard "Steve" Friend

Richard Stephen Friend was born on November 12, 1945 to Joseph and Margaret (Baltzer) Friend in Hannibal, Missouri. His father worked as a construction superintendent, and the family moved several times during his youth throughout the states of Oklahoma and Texas. Every year he and his sister would return to Hannibal to spend the summer with family. Steve was dedicated by his parents in 1950 at the Presbyterian Church of Muskogee, Oklahoma. In 1955, he confessed his faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized at the First Baptist Church in Muskogee. Steve graduated from French High School in Beaumont, Texas in 1963. He then furthered his education at Lamar University in Beaumont where he received his associates degree in business. Steve joined the United States Navy on July 25, 1965 and proudly served for four years and was later honorably discharged in 1969. After his service, Steve began working at E.I. Dupont in Beaumont. In 1971, he moved to Houston, Texas where he worked as a rate clerk for C & H Transportation and later Roadway Express. In 1973, he began working for SeaLand Services, Inc. Steve loved working at the port of Houston and retired after 27 years. On December 22, 1972, Steve was united in marriage to Lauren Cullison and they were blessed with two sons, Jeffrey and Joseph. The couple divorced in 1989. On September 23, 2000, he married Tamera Kruisselbrink in Edgerton, Minnesota. They made their home in Pasadena, Texas before moving to Edgerton in 2001.

In his younger years, Steve enjoyed playing golf and boxing. He loved spending time at the beach, fishing and camping with his boys. In his later years, he enjoyed being on his computer, working on his genealogy, watching Fox News and was an avid UFC fan. Steve always enjoyed traveling. He and Tammy took several beautiful trips together, with Hawaii being his favorite destination. Steve will be remembered for his laugh and great sense of humor. He had a giving heart and would help anyone who asked. He was very proud of his family and always looked forward to their visits and phone calls. Steve was a true patriot and loved his country.

In 2022, Steve was diagnosed with a neurological disease, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. This disease took a lot from him physically, but did not take away his spirit and love of life and family. On May 7, 2026, Steve passed away peacefully at his home with Tammy by his side at 80 years, 5 months and 25 days.

Steve is lovingly remembered by his wife of 25 years, Tammy; two sons, Jeff Friend of Ozark, Alabama and Joe (Jackie) Friend of Keller, Texas; five granddaughters, Brittany (Justin) Lane of Royse City, Texas, Katie (Blaine) Welch of El Paso, Texas, Natalie Friend, Abigail Friend and Rachel Friend of Keller, Texas; four great-grandchildren, Ellie and Kyler Lane, McKinley Welch and Madelynn Welch; and one sister, Carol (Jim) Awalt of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Margaret; brother-in-law, Don Davis; in-law’s, Jake and Betty Kruisselbrink.