October 11, 1932 – April 9, 2019
John F. Freeman, 86, Kempton, passed away peacefully into the arms of God on Tuesday morning, April 9, 2019. Born October 11, 1932 in Indianapolis, he was the son of the late Cecil and Fern (Hadley) Freeman. He was a 1946 graduate of Arsenal Tech High School. In his late teens, John migrated to farm near Pickard.
Growing up in both the city and on a farm through the Depression and World War II, he learned the value of money and the hard work that it took to earn it, two valuable lessons that would serve John well during his life. It was during his years on the farm that he would meet the love of his life, Katherine Friend. She and John were married on August 26, 1950 and would spend the next 69 years by each other’s side.
John had several occupations throughout the years, working as a farmer, machinist and truck driver, to name a few. No matter the task, John was always determined to do the best job possible, tirelessly striving to make a better life for his family.
When John wasn’t working, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping, but in his later years, his focus turned to taking care of his home and yard. He spent many hours on his trusted Wheel Horse, keeping “Little New York” a green and beautiful place. He also loved traveling to hog shows with his buddies.
John was a 50-year member and Past Master of the Pickard Masonic Lodge F&AM 690, a member of the Tipton County Shrine Club, and a proud member of the Sons of the American Legion at the K.V. Elliott Post 67 in Sheridan.
John is survived by his loving wife, Katherine “Tootie” Freeman; two sons, Keith Freeman (Marcia), Kirklin, and Steve “Pee Wee” Freeman, Kempton; one daughter, Johnanna Bowling (Kent), Kempton; his sister, Catherine Dusing, Indianapolis; and his brother, Dick Freeman (Linda) of Florida. Also surviving are his six grandchildren, Jill Swan (Justin), Anna Wolfe (Don), Keta Spidel, Addie Gattliff (Levi), Jake Sheldon and Arlene Davis; 10 great-grandchildren, Lukas Swan, Mylan Swan, Nolan Swan, Noah Wolfe, Ella Wolfe, Hallie Wolfe, Olivia Spidel, Landon Spidel, Owen Spidel and Wyatt Davis, all of whom knew him as “Pappy”; and by his Black Lab, Pippi-LuLu.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Phil and Paul Freeman; his sister, Florence Bandy; and by his daughter-in-law, Rita Freeman.
Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, April 14, 2019 at Kercheval Funeral Home, 306 E. 10th St., Sheridan, with a Masonic Service to be held at 7 p.m. following visitation. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday morning, April 15, 2019 at Scott-Scircleville Cemetery in Scircleville, Ind.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be presented to the Shriners Hospital for Children.
A special thank you to everyone at Community North Hospital for the heartfelt care, respect and dignity you gave to John and his family.
Arrangements
Calling: 3 to 7 p.m., April 14
Location: Kercheval Funeral Home
Graveside service: 11 a.m., April 15
Location: Scott-Scircleville Cemetery
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com