Dennis Mark Friend's Obituary
Dennis Mark Friend, of Gladewater, died after a brief illness on Monday, September 16, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was a proud graduate of Longview High School, and the University of Houston.
Mark was known by many people for many reasons. As the founder of Maverick Technical Systems, he was known for his integrity and work ethic, his brilliant engineering skills, and generous support of employees for over forty years. As a community member, he served on the planning and zoning committee in Gladewater, Texas, and enjoyed being involved in the projects and developments in the city. Mark was a generous donor to many causes and activities.
Mark’s hobbies and interests were many, and he rarely met a person he couldn’t connect with. The subject could be hunting, fishing, tree farms, motorcycles, boating, engineering, business, or food plots - his knowledge, intelligence, and enthusiasm connected him to many friends and acquaintances over his 72 years.
A proud family man, he immensely enjoyed his role as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He was extremely proud and supportive of his family and enjoyed many close family relationships, and too many nicknames to list.
In all aspects of his life, he was known for his great stories, his ready handshake, and his genuine smile.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 53 years, Sheila Friend, his daughters Veronica Friend, Diana Duesterhoft and her husband, Paul, grandchildren - Maia Friend, Jay Ramo, Jaedyn Friend, and Charles Duesterhoft. Mark is also survived by his brother, Reginald Friend, and sisters, Gale Friend, Beth Marinari (Joe), and Vicki Murphy (Don), as well as many nieces and nephews, and their children.
Waiting to greet him in heaven are his parents, Aaron and Barbara Friend.
Services will be held at 10 AM Saturday, September 21,2024, in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home of Longview. Burial will follow in Memory Park in Longview. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 5-7 PM at the funeral home.
A memorial guestbook may be signed online at www.raderfh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Dennis?
What’s a lesson you learned from Dennis?
Share a story where Dennis' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Dennis you’ll never forget.
How did Dennis make you smile?
