Thumper Franklin Friend

Thumper Franklin Friend, 34, of Kingwood, West Virginia, departed this life on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at Preston Memorial Hospital.  He was born on September 25, 1988, the son of Ralph Franklin Friend and Raècheal Lynn Shaw and Danny Shaw. 

Thumper was a graduate of Preston High School Class of 2007, and worked as an electrician for Rogers Electrical Contracting in Fairmont. He had a great love for his family and friends. He enjoyed long walks and reading, fishing and hunting and was an all-around outdoorsman. Thumper was an amazing once in a lifetime person who wore his heart on his sleeve. He was the embodiment of love, compassion, empathy, and protection. If he had it to give and you needed it, it was yours. He loved wholeheartedly and will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure to have their paths cross his.

In addition to his mother, father and step-father he is survived by his soulmate, Kyleen Reckart, of Kingwood; his daughter, Aaliyah Friend of Terra Alta; his paternal grandfather, Jerry Friend, Sr., and his maternal grandfather, Keith Shingleton of Kingwood; a sister, Quentessa Friend and her fiancé and Thumper’s best friend, John Howard of Asheville, NC; a nephew, Kwenton Friend, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Thumper was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Caroline Friend, and his maternal grandmother, Valerie Shingleton. 

A time of Celebration of his Life will be announced at a later date. 

Online condolences may be sent to the Friend family at www.kingwoodfuneralhomewv.com.

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