Howard Donald Freeman, 91, of Lake City, died peacefully on Monday, July 4, 2022, at Haven Hospice in Gainesville. Freeman was born on July 28, 1930, in Genoa (Hamilton County Fla.) to William (Bill) Freeman and Isabell Hogan Freeman. His only sibling, 14-years younger, Linda Carol Freeman Griffin, preceded Freeman in death in 1997. His oldest daughter, Regina Freeman Miller (John), preceded him in 2009. His wife, Frances Dodd Freeman; son, Donald Timothy Freeman (Katherine); daughter, Marisa Freeman Ashley; grandson, Daniel Ashley (Mahpara); great-grandson, Zackariah Ashley; nephews, Scott Gay (Julie) and Richard Lindsey (Tressie); along with many additional nieces, nephews and cousins survive him.
Freeman's caring personality and love of God, nature and people, have left us all with sweet, beautiful memories. His life was one dedicated to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ and caring for others. He began preaching in his teens. At the age of 14, he occasionally filled in as Preacher at Watertown Baptist Church. During his late high school years, his ministry extended as far as Statesboro, Ga. In 1966, the First Baptist Church of White Springs called Freeman as pastor. He served there for most of his children’s early years. The family moved to Lake City in 1979. There, he served in various pastorates and interim pastorates and held numerous revivals in most of the Beulah Baptist Association’s churches in the north Florida area, and several churches in other states. He evangelized in crusades under the auspices of E.J. Daniels and John Bos, Christ for the World organization, in Korea and other countries. Freeman also led several trips to the Holy Land. Esperanza Missions fostered his love for the Mexican people, where most of his efforts were centered in later years.
Freeman was a Veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving in the Korean War as an aerial intelligence photographer. After honorable discharge, he earned his private pilot’s license and took up flying on a limited basis. His favorite pastimes were traveling with family, photography, beekeeping, horticulture, building and flying radio-controlled airplanes and playing the piano.
Freeman retired as Office Manager for the Department of Transportation’s district office in Lake City. He and Frances, married for 63 years, lovingly raised their children in a Christian home. Freeman’s calm demeanor, kindness, quick sense of humor, leadership and perseverance through persistent pain are examples to us all. Memories of him always will be framed in the hearts and minds of the many friends and family members who were blessed by knowing him.
Visitation with the family was held Monday, July 11, at 10:30 a.m., at Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home, located at 3596 S U.S. 441, in Lake City. The funeral service followed at 11:15 a.m. with Reverend Hugh Dampier officiating. Private interment was held some time later with no public service.
In lieu of flowers, Freeman can be honored by support of vibrant organizations engaged in spreading the Gospel of Christ. In addition to Parkview Baptist Church, Freeman especially focused on the following worldwide Christ-centered organizations: Christ for the World, Leading the Way and Samaritan’s Purse.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home, located at 3596 S U.S. Hwy 441, in Lake City, Fla. 32025, (386) 752-1954. Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com.
