Freeman was born on November 17, 1935 in Fulton, New York to Gilman and Dorothy (Gladd) French. He grew up in Oswego, NY where he helped on the family dairy farm. He entered the military service in 1955 serving in the United States Army until his honorable discharge in 1961. He married Lois Johnson in 1955 and to this union were two daughters; Debra Ann and Kathleen Marie. He held many jobs throughout his life, several of which were working in the auto parts industry. One job he held that he was very proud of was that he served as a police officer in California. He later met and married the love of his life Katherine Swensen on September 22, 1973 and they had two daughters together; Melisa Lynn and Melanie Kay.They lived in Utica, SD where he was instrumental in starting the Utica Fire Department in which he was honored to be the Fire Chief. He worked for Morgen Manufacturing in Yankton, SD for 22 years until retiring. He then went to work for the South Dakota Human Services Center for 5 more years until his health required him to quit. He was a member of the Yankton Lions Club for 21 years, during that time he had the honor of serving as District Governor. He loved camping, hunting, fishing and spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife Katherine of Yankton, SD; four daughters, Melisa Smith of Yankton, SD, Melanie (Benjamin) Tweedy of Port Aransas, TX, Debra Luna of Drumright, OK and Kathy (Dennis) Lee of Devils Lake, ND; brother, Kenneth (Marjorie) French of Ganswoort, NY; two sisters, Mary (Jimmy) Diment of Oswego, NY and Patricia (Kevin) Stewart of Pegram, TN; Eleven Grandchildren, Michelle, Christopher, Angelina, Tyler, Alicia, Brian, Miranda, Destiny, Faith, Brady, Michael and nine Great-Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his sister; Janice Deveney (Oswego, NY) and his parents.

Memorials preferred.

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