Brad Lawrence Friend

     Bradley Lawrence Friend, age 59, of West Frankfort, formerly of Harrisburg, passed away at 11:51 am on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at Herrin Hospital surrounded by his family.  

     Brad was born on May 14, 1966 in Mt. Vernon, Illinois to David Lawrence and Rita (Rice) Friend.  On May 21, 1999 he married Connie Gregge, who currently resides in West Frankfort.  Brad earned his Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Services from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.  He worked for 30 years at Centerstone Rehabilitation Center in West Frankfort, completing his career as an Assistant Director of Rehabilitation Services. Brad also loved attending and participating in car shows, where he loved to show his 1979 Trans Am and 2016 Challenger.  He enjoyed going to Florida and sitting at the beach soaking up the sun.  Brad was dedicated to his work and family, and especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.    

     Brad is survived by his wife, Connie Friend of West Frankfort; daughter, Whitney Rexing and husband, Kevin of Harrisburg; three step-children, William McKinney of Herrin; Jonathon McKinney of Herrin; and Candace McKinney of Marion; two grandchildren, Carleigh Miles and Jackson Rexing of Harrisburg; mother, Rita Friend of Harrisburg; sister, Teri Bacher and husband, Joe of Harrisburg; sister, Angela Smith and husband, Andy of LaGrange Park, Illinois; uncle, Mike Rice of Tempe, Arizona; eight nieces and nephews, Lauren Drone and husband, Anthony of Ridgway, Illinois; Jonathan Wright of Harrisburg; Katie Wright of Harrisburg; Erin Murdoch and husband, Cyle of Harrisburg; Sarah Smith of LaGrange Park, Illinois; Molly Keljalic and husband, Denis of Rolling Meadows, Illinois; Isaac Smith and wife, Gita of San Diego, California; Noah Smith and wife, Amber of Austin Texas; two great nieces and two great nephews, Emery Drone and Ella Drone of Ridgway; Laken Murdoch of Harrisburg; and Wesley Smith of Austin, Texas.

     Brad was preceded in death by his father, David Lawrence Friend; uncles, Hal Rice and David Lee Rice; paternal grandparents, Pearl and Josephine Friend; and maternal grandparents, Harold and Helen Rice.

     Mass of Christian Burial for Bradley Lawrence Friend will be held at 11 AM, on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Eldorado.  Father Christian Iwuagwu will officiate.  Visitation will be held from 4 PM to 7 PM on Friday, January 30, 2026 at Stricklin Funeral Home with a Rosary Service beginning at 6:30 PM.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Centerstone Rehabilitation Center and will be received at the funeral home.  Private burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Brad Lawrence Friend, please visit our floral store.