Donald Friar Obituary

Don passed away on May 28, 2025, in Kansas City, MO, at the age of 98. He was a 97-year resident of Grimes, Iowa, born there on July 21, 1926, to Lester and Gladys Thorpe Friar. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Marjorie Young and Thorpe Friar.

Don and Mary Lou Gill were married on April 10, 1954, and recently celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary. Survivors are his wife, Mary Lou; three children, Kathy (Craig) Sandberg, Overland Park, KS; Jean (Tim) Boller, Cedar Falls, IA; and Alan Friar (Leslee Bright), Baltimore, MD; three grandchildren, Nicholas Sandberg, Haley Sandberg, and Michael Boller; and nieces and nephews.

Don grew up in Grimes and then on a farm north of Grimes. After one year of college at Drake University, he was drafted by the Army and served in WWII. He was also part of the post-war occupation force in Germany. After graduating from Drake, he worked as an insurance adjuster with his brother and sister at Crocker Claims, ending his career at State Auto.

He was a longtime active member of First Presbyterian Church in Grimes and a 75+ year member of the Grimes American Legion. He served one term as a Grimes City Councilman. After retirement, he was a driver for the Grimes GVSS and also helped establish the Grimes Museum.

Don was a devoted family man to his wife, his children, and extended family, a friend to many, and had a great sense of humor. He loved to take walks around town. During his later years in Grimes, he was very appreciative of the help he received from his niece, Janel, and her husband, Rich DeJoode. We are grateful to the staff at Addington Place of Prairie Village for their support.

Visitation will be 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, June 21, at First Presbyterian Church of Grimes, with a Celebration of Life service at 11 a.m., followed by a graveside service at Sunny Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, we suggest a donation to First Presbyterian Church of Grimes.

Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.

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