It is with great sadness the family of Gary E. Friedrich announces his passing after an extended illness Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2018, at the age of 75 years.

Gary was born Aug. 21, 1943, in Jackson to the late Gerald and Elsie Lucille Rawls Friedrich. He was predeceased by his parents and infant brother, Nickie Ray Friedrich.

Gary was raised in Jackson, where he graduated from Jackson High School in 1961. He was editor of the high school newspaper and a member of the marching band. Gary, known by his friends as �Groovy Gary,� was an American comic book writer. He began his career in New York City, where he and long-time friend, Roy Thomas, were writers and editors for Marvel Comics during the �60s and �70s. Gary was a member of the legendary Marvel Bullpen of the �60s. While in New York, Gary also wrote for Skywald, Atlas/Seaboard and Charlton Comics.

Gary had a major part in the creation of the Marvel motorcycle-riding character Ghost Rider. That character was featured in two movies starring Nicolas Cage and then on a season of the ABC show �Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.�

He returned to reside in the St. Louis area, where he continued freelance writing. In 2010, he received the Bill Finger Award at Comic-Con International for Achievement in Comic Book Writing.

Gary will be remembered by many recovered alcoholics for his tireless work and devotion as their Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) sponsor. He never hesitated discussing his many years battling alcoholism and attributed his sobriety to faith and AA. Following the death of an AA member, he often commented he/she had passed on to that Big AA Meeting in the Sky.

Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Jean (nee Bohnert) of Imperial, Missouri; son, Sean; daughters, Jennifer Allie and Leslie (Chris) Moriarty; grandchildren, Ava and Sutton; sisters, Toni Cay Schweain and Allie Rebecca Brandon; and his brother, Bill, and wife, Joy.

A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are under the care of Hoffmeister Mortuary in St. Louis.