Gary Eugene Friedrich

after an extended illness on August 29, 2018, at the age of 75 years.

Gary was born August 21, 1943, in Jackson, Missouri, to the late Gerald and Elsie

Lucille Rawls Friedrich. He was predeceased by his parents and infant brother,

Nickie Ray Friedrich.

Gary was raised in Jackson, Missouri, where he graduated from Jackson High

School in 1961. He was editor of the high school newspaper and a member of the

marching band. Gary, known by his friends as "Groovy Gary", was an American

comic book writer. He began his career in New York City, where he and long time

friend, Roy Thomas, were writers and editors for Marvel Comics during the 60's

and 70's. Gary was a member of the legendary Marvel Bullpen of the sixties.

While in New York, Gary also wrote for Skywald, Atlas/Seaboard and Charlton

Comics.

Gary had a major part in the creation of the Marvel motorcycle-riding character,

Ghost Rider. That character was featured in two movies starring Nicholas Cage

and then on a season of the ABC show "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. "

He returned to reside in the St. Louis, Missouri area, where he continued freelance

writing. In 2010, he received the Bill Finger Award at Comic-Con

International for Achievement in Comic Book Writing.

Gary will be remembered by many recovered alcoholics for his tireless work and

devotion as their Alcoholic Anonymous ( AA) sponsor. He never hesitated

discussing his many years battling alcoholism and attributed his sobriety to faith

and AA. Following the death of an AA member, he often commented that he/she

had passed on to that Big AA Meeting in the Sky.

Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Jean (nee Bohnert) of Imperial, Missouri,

son, Sean, and daughters, Jennifer Allie and Leslie (Chris) Moriarty ,

grandchildren, Ava and Sutton and sisters, Toni Cay Schweain, Allie Rebecca

Brandon and his brother, Bill and wife Joy.

A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are

under the care of Hoffmeister Mortuary in St. Louis, Missouri.