Alton Steve Friends was born December 11, 1959, in Bakersfield, California. He was born to the union of John Friends and Bertha Mae Massey. For Bertha Mae, he was her 11th and youngest child while being his father's second child and only son.

In 1964, Alton moved to Oxnard, California, with his family.  He attended Oxnard schools (including Fremont Jr. High and Channel Islands High School). While in high school he was an active athlete in the basketball and football programs.  After graduating from high school, he went on to Ventura College, where he also played football and earned an associate's degree.

While attending Ventura College, Alton met, fell in love, and subsequently married Michelle "Shelly" Pulido.  And to that union was born three outstanding children: LaKisha, Daunte, and Diandra.

At an early age, Alton joined and was raised at the Oxnard Full Gospel Mission Church under the leadership of Pastor Lois Walker.  He was active in various programs including singing in the choir.  In his later years Alton rededicated his life to God and joined New Hope Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Kenneth Williams.  While at New Hope, Alton sang in the choir and supported the church in various events, activities and programs.  And then he went on to join St. Paul Baptist Church under the leadership of Bishop B.A. Huggins where he actively and cheerfully served on the Usher's board.

Plastering has been a tradition in the Friends family for over 70 years. During his teenage years, Alton's father introduced him to the skill of plastering.  He took ownership of the skill and worked many years as a plasterer. Alton started his own plastering company, Friend's Plastering. One of his most notable works was The Altman Brothers Headquarters.  He specialized in fixing houses up and down the Ventura County coastline.  His work is known throughout Ventura, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara counties. Alton proudly passed these skills on to his son Daunte.

For extra-curricular, recreation and restoration, Alton was a proud and active fan of the Dallas Cowboys, active daily at the gym and he was a proud member and leader of his local AA chapter.  These activities allowed him to meet and enjoy a diverse population of people across the Oxnard community.

Alton loved his family (especially his children and grandchildren). He is preceded in death by both his parents, John and Bertha Friends; three brothers (Samuel Schrock, Willie Schrock and David Schrock); and two sisters (Vera Schrock and Sally Daniels).  He is survived by his children: LaKisha Deneef (Philip), Daunte (Alaina), Diandra and an honorary daughter, Samantha Amey; his grandchildren: Malia Deneef, Zoe Deneef, Alicia Friends, Kaleb Friends, Jayda Friends, Gaige Coronado and Shia Friends; his six sisters: Odessa Edward, Ola Washington-Holmes (Roosevelt), Joe Ann Stuckey, Mary Schrock, Glen Dell Williams and Johnny Posey-Johnson. Finally, a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.