Jerry Freeman

Jerry Lee Freeman, age 73, of Lamar, passed away Monday evening at his home following a short illness.       Jerry was born October 11, 1940, at Greenfield, Missouri, sixth of the seven children of John and Thelma (Gipson) Freeman.  He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Glen, Robert, and Emerson Freeman; three sisters, Beulah Mae Michael, Linda Merickel, Dorothy Schick; and a daughter, Jennifer Lynette Freeman.       After moving with his family to California in 1956, Jerry graduated in 1959 from Redlands High School.  On December 3, 1959, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving for four years aboard several aircraft carriers.  Completing his military duty December 3, 1964, Jerry returned home and married the love of his life, Beverly Jean Howie, on May 5, 1964, at San Bernardino.  He worked for General Telephone Company in Riverside for 28 years, retiring in April 1993.  In February 1997, Jerry and Beverly moved to Lamar where Jerry worked part-time for the City of Lamar for two years before working full time at the Lamar City Lake for five years.  After retiring in November 2005, Jerry had more time to enjoy his hobbies.  He was a talented woodworker, crafting a collection of antique automobiles.  He will be remembered by many for the beauty of their yard and gardens embellished by the many birdhouses he built.  He was an active member of Cornerstone Southern Baptist Church.        Survivors include his wife of nearly 50 years, Beverly, of the home; a son and daughter-in-law, Jason & Kim Freeman; a daughter and son-in-law, Jamie & Greg Snyder; and two grandchildren, Jessica Jean Freeman and Logan Daniel Freeman, all of Riverside, California.       Funeral services including military honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 23rd, at Daniel Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. Thursday.  Burial will be in Kingspoint Cemetery southeast of Lockwood, Missouri.       Memorial contributions are suggested to Barton County Hospice Compassus in care of Daniel Funeral Home.