John Friels

John Charles Friels, 72, of Copperas Cove passed away on Tuesday, April 5, 2016 in Copperas Cove. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 1602 S. FM 116 in Copperas Cove.

John was born in Vincennes, Indiana on February 10, 1944. He was the only child of Harold and Thelma Friels. John joined the Army right out of high school and was fortunate to travel to many places around the world. He was always curious and explored the language and the traditions of each country he visited. He liked people and immersed himself in their culture, becoming fluent in the Italian language. John was a pistol marksman in the beginning of his Army career. He won several trophies for his marksmanship. He participated in, and placed first in the national pistol competition at Camp Perry, Ohio. John always took advantage of any opportunity that came his way to better himself. He became a master machinist, a gunsmith, a private pilot, and a very good cook. While at Fort Hood, he became a master helicopter mechanic.

After his career in the Army, he earned an associate degree in aircraft maintenance. While stationed at Fort Hood in 1983, he met Joyce Hines. They married in 1984 and were together thirty-two years. When they married, he became the father of a teenage son, Jason. The “3 jays”, as John liked to call his family, enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing together. There were man memorable times laughing and watching movies with friends. John loved his family. He was a very proud grandfather of his four beautiful granddaughters. John will be remembered for his honesty, his sense of humor, his loyalty and his mischievous behavior at times. He will be missed by many who were fortunate enough to know him. He was a friend and mentor to many.