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Kelsey Friend Sr. (Kentucky politician)
Kelsey Evans Friend Sr. (March 18, 1922 – August 25, 2001) served as a distinguished American politician hailing from Kentucky. He held membership in the Kentucky Senate for multiple terms, spanning from 1972 to 1980 and then from 1984 to 1997. Kelsey Friend Sr. initially secured his senate seat in 1971. However, he faced defeat for renomination in 1979 against John Doug Hays. Undeterred, Friend contested Hays again in 1983, emerging victorious. Despite his resilience, Kelsey Friend Sr. encountered another setback in 1996, losing the renomination bid to Gary C. Johnson.
He passed away in August 2001 at the age of 79.
Career
Kelsey Friend Sr. brings a wealth of political experience to the table, having served as the Former Chairman and Secretary of the Pike County Democratic Executive Committee. His dedication to democratic principles and his leadership within the party make him a respected figure within the community.
Kelsey Friend Sr., a distinguished figure in Kentucky politics, served with distinction as a member of the Kentucky Senate, representing the 31st district for multiple terms. His tenure spanned from January 1, 1972, to January 1, 1980, and then again from January 1, 1984, to January 1, 1997. Kelsey Friend Sr. commitment to public service and legislative acumen left an indelible mark on his district and the state as a whole. He succeeded Francis Burke in his initial term and later succeeded by Gary C. Johnson after his final term, continuing the legacy of effective representation and advocacy for the people he served.
Pikeville, KY
Name
Date of Birth
Birth Place
Nationality
Died
Political party
Spouse
Children
Parents
Kelsey Evans Friend Sr.
March 18, 1922
Pikeville, KY
August 25, 2001
Democratic
Margaret Jones Earp Friend
Kelsey Friend Jr.
James Pembroke Friend , Clarissa Mae Mullins Friend
January 1, 1984 – January 1, 1997
Preceded
Succeeded
John Doug Hays
Gary C. Johnson
January 1, 1972 – January 1, 1980
Preceded
Succeeded
Francis Burke
John Doug Hays
Personal life
Kelsey Evans Friend Sr., a veteran and respected member of his community, was born on March 18, 1922, in Mossy Bottom, Pike County, Kentucky, USA. He departed from this life on August 25, 2001, at the age of 79, in Pikeville, Pike County, Kentucky, USA. He was laid to rest in the Friend Family Cemetery in Pikeville.
Kelsey Friend Sr. journey in education took him through Pikeville College and the University of Kentucky College of Law, where he earned his law degree. Before pursuing his legal career, he dedicated time to teaching. In 1942, he answered the call to serve his country, joining the U.S. Army, where he rose to the rank of 1st Lieutenant during his service from 1942 to 1946.
Upon completing his military service, Kelsey Friend Sr. delved into the legal profession, practicing law diligently from 1950 until the year of his passing in 2001. Throughout his legal career, he held various esteemed positions, including Master Commissioner, Pike County Attorney, Commonwealth Attorney, and State Senator for the 31st District.
Family was an integral part of Friend’s life. He was born to James Pembroke Friend (1893–1977) and Clarissa Mae Mullins Friend (1895–1966). He shared his life with his beloved spouse, Margaret Jones Earp Friend (1917–2013). Friend was also a caring sibling to Noah Robert Friend (1914–1963), Woodrow Wilson Friend (1916–1990), Thurmond Bruce Friend (1918–1984), Lew Wallace Friend (1920–2012), Evelyn Friend Newsom (1924–2017), and Ballard Lowe Friend (1932–2024). His legacy continued through his son, Kelsey E. Friend Jr. (1946–2023).
Kelsey Friend Sr. contributions to his community and his country are honored and remembered by all who knew him.
