Keith Duane “Mouse” Friend, 72, of Connersville passed away Monday, November 9, 2020, in the hospice unit at the VA Hospital, Dayton, Ohio.
One of three sons of Kenneth “Gabe” and Betty Elaine Grizzell Friend, Keith was born in Connersville on June 20, 1948, and graduated from Connersville High School with the class of 1967.
Keith served his country in the United States Army for fourteen months in Vietnam with the Military Police, receiving his honorable discharge in 1969.
On January 15, 1971, Keith married the former Ruth Anne Davison in Laurel United Methodist Church. Mrs. Friend survives.
For 35 years, Keith was employed at Metal Plating and its successor, Greene Manufacturing until they closed. He then enjoyed working as a security guard at Whitewater State Park. Keith was also employed at Beldon Manufacturing in Richmond and Gecom in Greensburg until he retired in 2008 due to poor health.
Keith was a member of the American Legion Post #1 in Connersville. He enjoyed outdoor activities like hunting and looking for mushrooms. In his leisure time, Keith enjoyed woodworking, woodcarving, and creating bracelets, necklaces, and key chains from paracord.
Besides his wife of 49 years, Ruth Friend, survivors include a son, Doug Friend of Connersville; daughter, Lori Leach of Connersville; two grandchildren, Tucker and Cooper Leach; three aunts, Joann Thurman of Camby, Hazel June Overton of Greenwood, and Helen Friend of Connersville; two uncles, Joe Thornsbury of Connersville and Vernon Grizzell of Rushville; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Keith was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Kenneth “Steve” Friend and Richard Friend; several aunts and uncles.
Family and friends are invited to attend graveside services at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 14, 2020, at Lick Creek Cemetery. Eric Hopkins will officiate and military honors will be provided by the Fayette County Veterans Council. Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to B.S.A. Troop #166 and online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.