Ralph Clayton Friend, 92, of Slidell, Louisiana, passed from this life on Thursday, October 9, 2025, in Jefferson, Louisiana.

Ralph was born November 12, 1932, in Friendsville, MD, to Henry W. Friend and Pearl Ada Riley, next to the youngest of their ten children.  He served in the Army and then began his post-high school education. He graduated from McPherson College (McPherson, KS) in 1962, becoming the only one of his family to attend college.

He served as a district executive for the Boy Scouts of America in several locations: Poplar Bluff, MO; Decatur, IL; South Bend, IN and Metairie, LA.  Among several later endeavors, he founded Cajun Popcorn and became widely known as "The Kernel".

He resided many years in Metairie, but in recent years had become a resident of Slidell, LA. In both areas he was active in fundraising for various organizations like Magnolia School, STARC, and St. Michael Special School. Ralph was known to light up the room and enjoyed bringing joy and inspiration to people of all ages.

He is survived by his children Sandi Friend, Pam Lisotta (Tony) and Jeff Friend and his grandchildren Andrew Lisotta, Adam Lisotta and Phoenix Friend. He is also survived by his ex-wife Margaret and several nieces and nephews.

A public celebration of Ralph's life will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, at Honaker Funeral Home, 1751 Gause Blvd W in Slidell LA.  Visitation will begin at 10:00am followed by the memorial service at 11:00am.

Burial with military honors will be at Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Slidell at 12:30pm.

Saints, LSU, or casual attire is requested.

Memorial Gifts may be made to Magnolia Community Services https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/magnolia-community-services/end-of-year-general-template

or STARC, https://starcla.org/giving/