Rex Duane Friend

On Saturday, January 7, 2023, Rex Duane Friend died peacefully in Edmond, OK at age 68. He was born in Coldwater, KS to Chester and Dorothy Friend. He is survived by his children Laura Adams, with husband Cody Adams, and Bryan Friend; their mothers Linda Koenig and Rita Hamner; grandson Felix Adams; siblings Elma Mitchell and Willard Friend; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews he held dear. His parents preceded him in death, as did siblings Edna Green, John Friend, and Mary Eubank. It must be said, listing his relatives only scratches the surface of people who he loved and loved him.Raised on the Friend family ranch in Freedom, OK, Rex learned early to work hard and play hard. He earned degrees from Northwestern Oklahoma State University and University of Oklahoma. Rex lived in the Oklahoma City area for over 45 years, building community and friendships across the metro. His life's work was to help people - as a lawyer, cowboy, social justice advocate, nature lover, and much more. Though Rex had slowed down from his ultra-marathon days, he was still proud of getting at least 10,000 steps a day, many of those exploring his land near Luther. He delighted in surprising people as a country boy who worked for progressive causes, both as an immigration attorney and in the many organizations he supported, from human rights for all to abolishing the death penalty to racial equality and beyond.He was a long-standing member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), a divine irony that a man with so many stories found sacred connection in silence - and with a faith that happened to share his name. He also added the First United Methodist Church (FUMC) of Edmond to his spiritual buffet in recent years, where he found great fulfillment and support, including profound companionship with Priscilla Boudoin.His departure was unexpected, but it was perhaps the only way someone with so much passion could close this mortal chapter. His soul is at rest and his spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched. A Celebration of Life will be held at FUMC Edmond on Friday, January 20 at 10am. An online video stream of the service will be available. There is also a memorial group on Facebook, "Rex D. Friend Celebration of Life". Donations in his memory can be made to the organizations below. He was never much for flowers, however if you feel called to honor him in that way, please consider using Curbside Flowers.American Friends Service Committee (215-241-7000 / www.AFSC.org)Oklahoma Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (405-239-2454 / www.OKCADP.org)Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma Inc (405-521-1302 / www.LegalAidOK.org)Curbside Flowers (405-219-0890 / www.CurbsideFlowers.com)