Edward Lee Friar

Edward Lee Friar, 78, El Dorado Springs, passed away on Monday evening, March 24, 2003, at St. John's Regional Health Center, Springfield.

Ed was born on Feb. 26, 1925, in St. Clair County, the son of Orrin and Lola Downs Friar.

Ed graduated from El Dorado Springs High School in 1942. After graduating, he joined the U.S. Navy, where he served until the end of World War II. After returning, he purchased a grocery store in Tiffin.

On March 6, 1947, Ed was united in marriage to Betty Jean Bybee. To this union four children were born.

He worked as a Drayman for the MKT Railroad and contin¬ued in the profession until he retired in 1987.

Ed was a member of the First Baptist Church where he was a Sunday School teacher and a Deacon. Ed was always proud of his community, serving on the City Council and Auxiliary Police. He was a member of the American Legion #0233 and VFW Post 257.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, James Robert and Joseph Ray Friar.

Ed is survived by his wife, Betty, of the home; four children and their spouses - Glenda and Bob Baker - College Station, TX, Georgia and John Detwiler, Jerry and Rhonda Friar and Terri and Terry McCallister - all of El Dorado Springs; his sister, Betty Helm - Kansas City; 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Services were held Friday, March 28, at the First Baptist Church, with Rev. Tom Willoughby officiating. Musical selections were provided by Faith Trussell. Interment was in the El Dorado Springs Cemetery under direction of Hackleman and Sons Funeral Home. Pallbearers were David Baker, Michael Baker, Kyle Baker, Brent Detwiler, Austin Morgan, Logan Friar, Jesse McCallister, Jason Handy and Richard Leroux. Honorary pallbearers were Andrew Holguin, Eric Holguin, Hunter Baker, Dillon Baker and Payton Morgan.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church Scholarship Fund.