Derek Scott Friend, 46

Funeral services for Derek Scott Friend, 46, of Springfield, were held Dec. 31, 2024, in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home chapel, Gainesville, with Dale Roberts officiating. The burial was at Thornfield Cemetery with Davin Friend officiating.

Derek died Dec. 25, at his residence. He was born March 22, 1978, in Mountain Home, Arkansas, to Edd and Ina (Russell) Friend. After being saved and baptized on Jan. 22, 1995, Derek finished high school and graduated from Gainesville High School.

He then moved to Springfield and lived with his sister, Regina, and her husband, Paul. He worked for a chemical company for a time before being hired on at the federal prison, working as a guard for a couple of years. At age 23, Derek found out he was a type 1 diabetic, and so began his struggles. He moved from job to job trying to keep insurance coverage. He married De Lane Rolen in 1996.

Derek was the 88th and last grandchild on the Friend side of the family, also the last grandchild in Ina’s family. 

Derek is survived by his parents, Edd and Ina Friend; brother-in-law, Paul Kirk and nephew, Dakota Kirk; uncle Bob Robbins; aunt Jaunita Friend; uncle Dean Russell; uncle Danny Russell and wife Sue; many cousins; and his ex-wife, De Lane Friend.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Regina Ethyl Friend Kirk; his grandparents on both sides of the family; all of Edd’s brothers and sisters (20 in total); two of Ina’s sisters; and many cousins.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family as a love offering to help with funeral expenses. Arrangements are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville.