Joe Freeman's Obituary
Joe Freeman, son of Wesley Howard and Hollie I. (Roy) Freeman, was born March 29, 1926 in Liberal, Kansas. He departed this life Wednesday, August 12, 2009 in St. John’s Hospital, Springfield, Missouri at the age of eighty-three years, four months, and thirteen days.
In 1962 he was united in marriage to Ethylene “Beth” Roberts and together they spent twenty-two years before her passing on July 16, 1984.
He was also preceded in death by his parents.
Joe is survived by his daughter Patricia “Pat” Bledsoe and her husband John, of Seymour, Missouri; two grandsons, Ronnie Young and his wife Buffy, of Jefferson City, Missouri and Chris Young and his wife Heidi, of Seymour, Missouri: four great-grandchildren, Logan, Colten, Conner, and Sydney; a sister, Ruth Van Guilder, of Burnsville, Minnesota; a niece, Debbie Burgess, of Burnsville, Minnesota; a nephew Ted Oscarson, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; as well as a host of other relatives and many friends.
Joe moved with his family to Seymour when he was eight years old and spent part of his childhood here before moving back to Kansas at the age of fourteen. After moving back to Kansas, he spent time working in several wheat fields before moving to California where he worked on two different ranches. He then moved to Fairbanks, Alaska where he met and married Beth and worked as a heavy equipment operator for the Federal Road Commission. In 1967, Joe retired from the Road Commission and moved back to Seymour to make his home. Joe had served his country faithfully with the United States Army during World War II. He enjoyed farming, especially cattle farming, and liked spending time with his dog “Sugar.” He loved spending time with his family, and treasured time spent with his grandchildren.
Joe was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and accomplishments and treasure the wonderful memories he has created for his family and many dear friends.
Graveside services for Joe Freeman will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 15, 2009 in the Seymour Masonic Cemetery with Reverend Gordon Heckendorn officiating. Military honors provided by Webster County Veteran's Memorial Association. Arrangements are under the direction of the Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Seymour.
What’s your fondest memory of Joe?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joe?
Share a story where Joe's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joe you’ll never forget.
How did Joe make you smile?