Thomas Friend Obituary

Thomas L. Friend

Nov 1, 1940 - Feb 12, 2026

Wakeman

Thomas L. Friend, 85, of Wakeman, died Thursday, February 12, 2026, at his home after a lengthy battle with cancer.

He was born November 1, 1940, in Norwalk, son of the now deceased William and Mary (Steffanni) Friend.

Thomas graduated from Townsend-Wakeman High School in 1958, where he enjoyed playing football, basketball, and running track. After graduation, he began working at Ohio Body in New London, followed by his first truck-driving job at Wolfe Trucking.

In October 1963, he was drafted into the US Army during the Vietnam War. He was able to stay stateside, driving truck and found time to marry the love of his life, Brenda, after completing boot camp while home on leave. After his discharge two years later, he continued doing what he did best, driving truck. He worked for Dauch Concrete and Baker Trucking before becoming an owner-operator leased to Kaplan Trucking and later, Matlack Hauling. After retiring in 1999 from his lifelong career in trucking, he took about six months off and then worked for Wakeman Township for another 10 years.

Early in life, Thomas enjoyed competing in tractor pulls with his Massey-Ferguson riding mower, and he was a member of the Wakeman Tractor Pulling group. While we are unsure of his win-loss record, a fun time was had by all at these events.

Thomas also loved riding snowmobiles. He was a member of the Wakeman Sno-Ballers and participated in many poker runs over the years. Along with Brenda, he took annual trips up to Gaylord, Michigan, to ride the trails with friends and family. He passed this hobby on to his kids and grandkids, who also enjoy riding snowmobiles.

Later in life, Thomas enjoyed his retirement traveling around the country in style in his new motor home. A good friend introduced him to Cushman vintage scooters, and he started collecting a number of them over the years. While he attended many vintage motor scooter swap meets, he especially enjoyed the one in Portland, Indiana. He was a member of the Cushman Club of America and the Vintage Motor Bike Club.

Thomas enjoyed attending his grandchildren's sporting events. He racked up the miles traveling to watch them compete in volleyball, cross country, football, basketball, baseball, and track. Sometimes, he even beat the team bus to the away games!

Thomas was a Master Mason with 45 years of membership at Wakeman's Gibson Lodge No. 301. He was also a member of the Wakeman Congregational Church and a charter member of the Wakeman Eagles.

Thomas is survived by his wife of 62 years, Brenda (Gerber) Friend, whom he married December 28, 1963; his daughter, Carol (Jeff) Puder; his son, Tom (Lea) Friend; his sister, Mary Lou Mack; nine grandchildren Jessica, Colton, Ellis, Payton, Parker, Stacey, Brooke, Stephanie, and Brandon; and 14 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, George Friend and sister, Norma Jackson.

May his memory be eternal and his soul rest in peace.

Friends may call from 10 a.m.- noon Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Wakeman Congregational Church, 14 Abbott Street, Wakeman. Funeral services will immediately follow at noon at Wakeman Congregational Church, with Janet Ross presiding. Burial will follow at Wakeman Cemetery, Wakeman.

Donations can be made in Thomas's name to a charity of your choice or Wakeman Congregational Church Memorial Fund.

Toft Funeral Home, Wakeman Chapel, 16 Cooper Street, Wakeman, is handling arrangements.

Condolences may be shared online at toftfuneralhome.com.