Lester Columbus Freeman

Lester Columbus Freeman, son of the late Samuel and Velda (Clinton) Freeman, was born January 16, 1916 in Douglas County, Missouri, and departed this life March 20, 2008 at Autumn Oaks Caring Center in Mtn. Grove, Missouri, 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, Missouri 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 February 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 McConnnell; 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, Missouri, Roy Freeman and his wife, Linda, of Ava, Missouri, Dennis Freeman and his wife, Teresa, and Clay Freeman and his wife, Marsha, all of Mtn. Grove, Missouri; two daughters: Bonnie Field and her husband, Fred, of Elk Creek, Missouri, and Sherry Miller and her husband, Mark, of Ozark, Missouri; one brother: James Freeman and his wife, Faye, of Mtn. Grove, Missouri; 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; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends who will miss him very much.
Funeral services for Lester C. Freeman were held Monday, March 24, 2:00 PM in the Craig-Hurtt Chapel with Rev. Roger Flint and Rev. Jerry Ratterree. Cindy Sullivan, accompanied by Judy Chadwell, sang “Farther Along,” and “Imagine, If You Will.” Dan Page and Randy Cottengim played instruments and sang “Gone Home” at the cemetery. Pallbearers were randy Freeman, Jeff Carder, Mike Freeman, Michael Hunt, Derek Akers, and Mike Kelley. Honorary pallbearers were Cody Freeman, Dan Page, Matt Freeman, Terry Allen, Victor Allen and Norman Allen. Burial was in the Brushy Knob Cemetery, Douglas County, under the direction of the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mtn. Grove, Missouri.
Memories from the children:
Daddy was a hard working, honest man that loved momma till the very end. He tried to teach all nine of us kids to do what was right. His word was his bond – If you say it, do it! He was a good neighbor and friend to many. Always ready to help where there was a need.
He had a great love for the outdoors, especially when cutting wood, helping less fortunate people than us, although we were poor. We had plenty of fresh milk and lots of good churned butter from the cream. It was delicious on hot cornbread or one of momma’s “famous” biscuits.
Dad loved to make a garden each year until his health started failing. He’d give his produce away because he had more than we could eat or momma could can.
He really enjoyed going deer hunting with his sons and friends. He always had a great many stories of good times hunting and fishing. The biggest event of the year was January 16th (Daddy’s Birthday.) He enjoyed his big day. Momma would fix a dinner and happy times were had at daddy and momma’s, with big kids, little kids, and later on the blessing of a house and yard filled with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Thanks Daddy and Momma.
“Saying Good-bye”
How will I tell my Daddy good-bye? There isn’t an easy way no matter how I try. I can’t say good-bye – “Hello” will have to do, When we had to leave by saying “hello,” got us through.
In May 2006, Daddy told this to me… “I want to find a way to Brushy Knob and not come back, you see.” This was daddy’s way of saying I want to go home, Without your momma, I’m tired of being alone.
Together for nearly sixty-five years, together hand in hand, For fifty-six years, living on the same piece of land. Daddy and Momma really are never gone, For their legacy still lives on!
When I plant my garden in early spring, Or hear a beautiful voice, a gospel song sing, I remember momma in the Whippoorwill’s call, Or eating papayas and the smell of cooked apples in fall.
I think of daddy when I see fresh mown hay, Or watch a beautiful sunrise at the beginning of day. When I roam the fields, looking for a new calf in the field, The memory of my folks, my heart just fills.
A hollyhock, lady finger, morning glory, yellow rose, Momma and daddy were fond of those. Wherever I look, at my house all around, Rhubarb, cherry trees, and caster beans can be found.
Special memories from one of many a trip, To the folks, me they did equip. Little did I know when all these things, I got a start, Years later the good times and memories would soothe my heart.
These things bring happy thoughts as I write, Outside the evening sun has set, soon be night. Daddy it’s alright if you just can’t hang on to life, I’ll be okay, because I’m a momma, grandma, and wife.
For me I have lots of people that love and care, Daddy, somehow I know your love for me will always be there. Momma shows me her presence in a yellow butterfly, I’m so glad that our soul never does die.
So daddy I’ll say “hello” until we meet again, There is so much “work” yet to be done, let us begin.
Love, Bonnie and all your kids


Funeral Services:
Monday, March 24, 2008 2:00 PM in the Craig-Hurtt Chapel, Mtn. Grove, Missouri.
Visitation:
Sunday, March 23, 2008 6:00 pm - 8:00 PM in the Chapel.
Burial:
Brushy Knob Cemetery Douglas County, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers/contributions:
Community Hospice c/o of the funeral home.