The family of Joseph Friend, 93, US Army Veteran, requests the presence of the Patriot Guard Riders in honoring their beloved patriarch as his cremains are laid to rest. We would be honored to do so.
Joseph was a product of Cuba, New Mexico at birth and came to the High Desert, city of Barstow, when he was 6 months old. He was drafted into the US Army in 1945 serving with Company L 23rd Infantry in Ft. Lewis, Washington. His Army life was short lived (6 months 6 days) as he was honorably discharged in June of 1946 at the rank of Private. His military duty was a Rifleman.
But it was Joseph's civilian life that was notable. In the late 1940’s he started racing jalopies with local friends, all of whom have since passed. He worked for the Southern California Water company for 20 years before becoming a businessman opening gas stations and restaurants in Amboy, Vidal Jtn, and Ludlow, CA.
In the 80’s Joseph bought 10 acres outside of Barstow in what is now known as Lenwood. It was here that he opened a gas station and a cafe which could be seen 5 miles away with its tell tell orange colored roof. In 1986 he joined with his long time friend Ed Hackbarth of Del Taco fame and built Del Taco #3. The three Del Tacos are still family owned with the original family recipes. All the others are corporate owned with their own recipes.
Joseph had an engaging personality and was well liked. In 2013 he was honored as the Grand Marshall at the 81st annual Mardi Gras parade which is held by the Kiwanis Club near or on Halloween. Its a tradition to celebrate Halloween on the day before the parade unless it was on a Sunday.
Joseph is survived by his wife Deborah, two sons, four daughters, a brother Bud Honey of Kingman, AZ, and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested, and all are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the mortuary to the cemetery. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
NOTE: Covid-19 restrictions may still apply. Please have face coverings/masks available, if needed.
NOTE: It is expected to be hot outside. PLEASE, continue to hydrate.TIME TABLE for Thursday, 05 AUG 2021:
0900 - Stage at The Highlands Funeral Home, 505 E Williams St., Barstow, CA 92311 (
https://goo.gl/maps/VRZZgjUkYsVo8AjW6)
0915 - Briefing
0930 - Flag Line for transfer of Hero to coach
0935 - KSU to Mt. View Memorial Park, 37067 Irwin Rd., Barstow, CA 92311
(
https://goo.gl/maps/dJTNrEjeJ4Jvinv79)
1000 - Flag Line, Memorial Service with Military Honors
R/C Brian Zane “Spyderman”
SoCalPGR RC760 953 9915
brianzane.bz@gmail.com
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
