He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Betty Friend of New Braunfels, his son Gary Friend and wife Liza (Mary) of Austin, his grandson Randy Friend, wife Tatyana, and great-grandson Archer Jack of Leander, his grandson Thomas Friend of Austin, and his sister Judy Mann of Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and their wonderful families who have shown such amazing support during his illness.
Jack was born in Denton County, near Krum, Texas, on July 31, 1934. Jack graduated from Early High School in 1952, and immediately enlisted, at the age of 17, into the Air Force. After basic training he was assigned to Korea, where he served for two years. Upon his return, he met the love of his life, Betty, whom he wed in 1955. They traveled together for the next 17 years as he was stationed in Texas, Mildenhall England, the Pentagon in Washington D.C., Maryland, and Alabama. Jack retired in 1972 with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant, but after a restless year, returned to civil service duty at Randolph Air Force Base for another 15 years.
In addition to his outstanding military career, where he was honored with three Commendation Medals, he was an endowed member of New Braunfels Masonic Lodge #1109, the Fort Sam Houston Chapter, San Antonio #47 of the National Sojourners, and New Braunfels Chapter #771, Order of the Eastern Star. He also spent many active years with the New Braunfels Evening Lions, and was a member of the First Baptist Church of New Braunfels since 1957.
Jack’s passion was his family, where every family member held a special place in his heart, and every opportunity was seized upon for a family gathering. He enjoyed watching sports, and could easily be talked into a conversation about tennis, the Texas Longhorns, or those darn Cowboys. His genuine interest in others, combined with his kindness, generosity, and humor, truly exemplified his love of life.
Visitation with the family will be held on Monday, April 8, 2024 from 6:00 - 9:00pm at Zoeller Funeral Home in New Braunfels. Funeral services will be held at Zoeller Funeral Home on April 9, 2024 at 10:30am, followed by burial at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 1:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following, or the charity of your choice:
Shriners Children’s Texas, 815 Market St., Galveston, TX 77550
Texas Masonic Retirement Center, 1501 W. Division St., Arlington, TX 76012
Scottish Rite for Children, 2222 Welborn Street, Dallas, TX 75219
New Braunfels Food Bank, 1620 S. Seguin Ave., New Braunfels, TX 78130
Hope Hospice, 611 N. Walnut Ave., New Braunfels, TX 78130
