Gary Arnold Freeman, of Converse, IN passed away on July 21, 2018 at IU Health Jay Hospital after a long battle with cancer. He was 71.
Gary was born in Sharp County, Arkansas on March 6, 1947 to Walter and Lela Belle (Arnold) Freeman. He was the youngest of five children; C.G Freeman, Buena Trosper, Carmeleta Smith, and Patsy Hobbs. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and his father-in-law Neal Shirley, and brother-in-law Charles Shirley and four nephews, Kevin Hobbs, Randy Freeman, Herky Trosper and Richard Trosper.
Married on September 12, 1965 to Mildred (Shirley) Freeman, the couple were wedded 52 years, raising two sons, Bobby and Bret.
Gary attended Oak Hill High School, graduating in 1965. He retired from Kokomo Chrysler Transmission after 30 years of service in 1996. Gary served on the Converse Town Council, Converse Planning and Zoning Board, and was active in organizing various alumni functions. He was a member of the Woodland Hills Church of Christ where he and his wife attended for nearly 40 years.
Gary was a passionate woodcarver and a vital part of the Eastern Woodland Carvers Club, serving as President of the board of directors for many years. He was best known for carving caricature faces in golf balls, all of which matched his personality. Perpetually young-at-heart, he was always quick with a joke and never took anything too seriously.
He is survived by his wife of 52, years, Mildred; his sons Bobby (Kimberly) Freeman and Bret Freeman; his grandchildren, Connor, Samuel, and Sophia; his brother C.G. Freeman; his mother-in-law Lucy (Neal) Shirley; sisters-in-law Catherine (Tom) Brewer and Linda (Randy) Dever; and nieces and nephews Violet Trosper, Debbie Hutchings, Penny Shaffer, Tim Hobbs, Steven Smith, Kimila Dowden, Greg Smith, Marc Freeman, Tim Brewer, Charles Shirley, Tamie Cavins, Jennifer Tuttle, and Jeff Dever.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Eastern Woodland Carvers Club on Thursday, August 2 at 6 pm. In Lieu of flowers please send donations to Eagles Woodcarvings % Gary Freeman, P O Box 29, Converse, IN to be used for young carvers and beginners to attend seminars. Arrangements: Indiana Funeral Care
Trw says
Dear Freeman Family: Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. As the days and weeks go by, may the comfort from family, friends and scriptures like Acts 24:15 and Philippians 4:6,7 be of comfort to you. Again, I’m sorry for your loss.
William and Pamela Cline says
Dear Freeman family: Our sincere condolences for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Allen & Gina Woods says
Mildred, know that you and your sons are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you and we loved Gary, he will always have a special place in our hearts.
Andy and Sheri Henderson says
Mildred, Brett and Bobby. My family sends their deepest condolences and prayers in this sad time. Having Gary as a little league coach and growing up with Bobby and Brett let me get to know you all well. Although this time is hard, remember that the pain will eventually fade, but the memories and Gary’s witty since of humor will always be with us. Prayers and love to all of you.
Becky A Bivens says
My deepest condolences for Gary’s family from a fellow woodcarver.
Greg Hamm says
Dear Mildred and family, Please accept my deepest sympathy and condolences for the loss of Gary. He was a kind soul and and genuinely good person. He and I were friends in high school and graduated together. We played football together. I will always remember him fondly. He never, ever had an unkind thing to say about anyone. Know that he is in a better place and that all who knew him are better for it.
Jessica (McFarland)Bieber says
So sorry for your loss! I have many fond memories of Gary always telling jokes and making me laugh at Pizza King! Mildred you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Aaron&Bonnie Smith says
Dear Mildred and the boys.
Gary was my dad’s best friend from school. Dad and Mom thought so much of your family. I remember visiting when I was little several times.
God bless your family
Marie Shirley says
With deepest sympathy and much love to Mildred and family. Wish we could be with you at this time, but it’s not possible. You know we love Gary and will always remember him. Hugs, Marie & William
Kathy Granger says
Mildred, My prayers are with you and your family . Gary was such a special person. I thought the world of him. You guys were the perfect couple. May God be with you.
Anna webster says
Gary will be missed, I never knew another person like him. Me and Ashley was so blessed to have known him and for him to be a part of our lives.
James / Sabrina Metz says
No one can prepare you for a loss; it comes like a swift wind. However, take comfort in knowing that he is now resting in the arms of our Lord. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. May the Lord hold you up during this time and forever more!
James and Sabrina Metz
Phyllis Caywood says
Heaven has received another Angel. Gary will be missed greatly. Sending prayers and thoughts, I know there will be rough days ahead, but our Heavenly Father is always there for you. God’s Blessings to each of you. RIP Gary.
Phyllis Caywood, Spencerville, IN
Gene Smith says
I’ll see him again someday! Till then, know that he was loved (and still is) by many.
Bonnie and Steve Tuttle says
So sorry for your loss.
Marlene Cassidy says
Mildred,Brett and Bob, my family sends our condolences for the loss of Gary. We will surely miss seeing his smiling face and conversations. I want to thank all of you for making us feel welcome when we moved next door. It’s been an absolute pleasure getting to know some of the greatest neighbors anyone could ask for. RIP Gary thank you for your kindness. Marlene (Martie) & William
Bruce & Kathy Everett says
Mildred and family, know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Bruce and Kathy Everett.
Linda Cagle says
Mildred and family, I’m so sorry for you loss. I’m thinking of you and will be praying for you all
Jckie(Hobbs) Hoggard says
so very sorry for your loss. Pray peace and comfort for all.
lonnie strunk says
Sorry for your loss. Gary will be missed.
Bob & Janice Miller says
So sorry for your loss. Praying God will comfort you.
Estela Medina says
Mildred, Bobby and Bret; Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers in this very difficult time. Your family holds a very special place in my heart and I have many fond memories of you all. May the God of all Comfort be comforting you in this saddest of times. Love and hugs, Estela Medina (Garcia)