Nathaniel Friends was born June 18, 1931 to Nathaniel Friends and Thelma Friends in Greenwood, Mississippi. He departed this life November 13, 2021.He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, Maxine Friends, Dorothy Moreland and Fayle Lee Brown and his brother Bobby Joe.

Shortly after his parents' marriage, Nathaniel became a product of divorce. As a result he was thrust into manhood having to work as a young man at a grocery store while attending RC Cole High School. His dream was to become an educator but he fell in love and married Mahalia Stubblefield. As a result of that union, they produced six children Gerald Jermaine Friends, Joyce Brena Friends Williams, Angela Thomas, Valerie Renee Jenkins, Nathaniel Julius Friends and Micheal W. Friends. Nathaniel and Mahalia eventually divorced and Nathaniel never remarried. As a result of that union Nathaniel considered other career choices. He stated that he applied for the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department and the Kansas City, Missouri Fire Department and he chose the one that called first. So it was, the Fire Department in the year 1951. Nathaniel was diligent in providing for his family, working a good part of his career a second job at GSA until he was promoted to the Chief Officer Core. Nathaniel applied himself under the mentorship of Edward Wilson who would later become the first and only black Chief of the Kansas City, Missouri Fire Department. Right beside the first black Chief, Nathaniel Friends was promoted to Deputy Chief and the Lead Administrative Officer of the Kansas City Missouri Fire Department. They were considered trail blazers.

Nathaniel valued education as he received his Associates Degree in Fire Science from Penn Valley College. He taught his Children those same values of education and working hard. He will always be remembered for his smile, generosity, business sense, great character, toughness, and compassion. Nathaniel was an inspiration to his whole family!

The Family tree that he leaves to cherish his memory:Children; Gerald Friends (Patsy), Joyce Williams(John), Angela Thomas, Valerie Jenkins (Todd), Nathaniel J. Friends (Vikki), Kansas City, MO, and Michael W. Friends (Stephanie), Orange, CA. Grandchildren Tressie Moore, Ronald Anthony McReynolds Jr {Joyce}Landall Long(Alma), Tyra Zuchowski (Mark), Christopher Friends (Teresa ), Catherine Middleton (Marc) Brandi Harper, Kiana Dowdell (Angela), Dione Friends, Eric Friends{Nathaniel J}, Samaria M. Friends, Shamar M. Friends (Michael W. and Stephanie). Great Grandchildren; Ashley Hillman Bryce Randall {Tressie}, Christopher, Nevaeh, and Kaison{Christopher Friends}, Sophie, Deacon and Miles (Middleton) Sidney, Emri and Neena{Zuchowski} Jerome, Jordana, Justin, Miranda, Aliza, Jeriah, Jaxon, Abby, Alivia and Amity{Long}Charnae and Evan{Eric Friends}. Great great Grandchild, Amina Sanders{Hillman}

Nathaniel's Siblings: Erma Fonteno, Gloria Rhodes, and William Friends of Kansas City, MO. Nathaniel Friends (Orland, FL) Romadita Friends-Harrod(Upper Marlboro Maryland) Dorthea Pickens, Jeanette Friends-Ross, Phyliss Howard (Houston, Texas) Edward Lewis Friends(Las Vegas Nevada) Confirmed.

Services for Mr. Friends will be held 12:00 P.M. Saturday, November 27, 2021, at True Light Church of the Nazarene.  Private Disposition.  Friends may call from 10:00 A. M. until service time Saturday at the church.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. ELEY & SONS FUNERAL CHAPEL.