Mar 27, 2008

Lester Columbus Freeman, son of the late Samuel and Velda (Clinton) Freeman, was born Jan. 16, 1916, in Douglas County, and departed this life March 20, 2008, at Autumn Oaks Caring Center in Mtn. Grove, following a long illness. He was 92 years, 2 months, and 4 days of age. Lester grew up in the Vera Cruz community in Douglas County and was united in marriage to Alta Agnes Allen on July 4, 1940, in Wright County. Nine children were born to this union. Lester and Alta raised their family on a farm southwest of Mtn. Grove, where they lived and called home for almost 60 years. Lester enjoyed being outdoors, especially when hunting, fishing, tending to his garden, or just taking in the day. He always had stories to share with his family, friends, and anyone who enjoyed visiting. Lester was saved over two years ago while residing at Autumn Oaks. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Alta Freeman, on Feb. 25, 2005; one son, Kenneth Freeman; one daughter, Joy Belle Freeman; a daughter-in-law, Linda Freeman; a granddaughter, Sheila Carder; two great-grandsons, Tyler Freeman and Noah Hunt; one brother, Chester Freeman; a half brother, Henry Freeman; five sisters, Elizabeth "Libby" Beebe, Cora Linder, Joann Adams, Pearlie Page, and Freda McConnell; and two half-sisters, Catherine McGee and Mae Brin. He is survived by five sons, Don Freeman, of Mtn. Grove, Troy Freeman and his wife, Ann, of Norwood, Roy Freeman and his wife, Linda, of Ava, Dennis Freeman and his wife, Teresa, and Clay Freeman and his wife, Marsha, all of Mtn. Grove; two daughters: Bonnie Field and her husband, Fred, of Elk Creek, and Sherry Miller and her husband, Mark, of Ozark; one brother, James Freeman and his wife, Faye, of Mtn. Grove; three brothers-in-law, Bob Allen, Jess Allen, and Gene Allen; two sisters-in-law, Mary Allen and Helen Freeman; 21 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends who will miss him very much. Funeral services were held Monday, March 24, at 2 p.m., in the Craig-Hurtt Chapel, Mtn. Grove, with the Revs. Roger Flint and Jerry Ratterree officiating. Burial was in the Brushy Knob Cemetery, Douglas County, under the direction of the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mtn. Grove. Online condolences may be sent to www.craighurttfuneralhome. com.