Donald Jay Freeman (or Donnie as many called him) was second born to Lester and Alta Freeman on October 5, 1944, in Mountain Grove, Missouri.
At 17, Don went to work in Mountain Grove for Lake McGown at Vickers Service Station. He had the pleasure of filling up an older model Chevy station wagon for singers Jim Ed Brown, Maxine, and Bonnie.
On January 16, 1964, Don married Linda Lee Hurst, and to this union two children were born, one boy and one girl.
Don worked at several service stations before going to work at Cabool Shoe Factory, where he met Kris Kristofferson in person before he became famous. They became good friends, and Kris was a guest in Don and Linda’s home on Chapman Street before Kris left to go back to California, after selling Don his 1951 Ford dark green pickup.
In 1966, Don and his family moved to Kansas City, Kansas, where he worked at Libby Welder, a military manufacturer. He had to sign a document that he would not reveal information of what he was working on. When the first spaceship landed on the moon, employers of Libby Welders revealed Don had a part in wiring a panel board.
Don and his family then moved back to Mountain Grove, Missouri, where they worked with dairy and beef cattle before moving back into town and starting Freeman Fencing Co. for 31 years with a host of family and friends working together.
Besides his parents, Lester and Alta Freeman, Don was preceded by his wife of 46 years, Linda, daughter, Lisa Freeman Akers, two brothers, Kenneth Freeman and Roy Freeman, one sister, Joy Freeman, grandson, Tyler Freeman, nephew, Jeff Carder, niece, Sheila Carder, and many others.
Don is survived by his significant other of 11 years, Jan Rector, who has stood by his side through three emergency surgeries. They have laughed, cried, yelled, and sang together. Their favorite thing to do was casino hop, go to flea markets, and work on pickups. One pickup, a 1953 Ford, was sold to JV Show Richard Rawlings in Texas. The truck went on to Australia.
He is also survived by son, Randy Freeman (Gina) and children, Olivia and Trinity, grandson, Derek Akers (Amanda) and their children, Hayden A, Hayden J, Kenzie, Kyler, and Parker, granddaughter, Melissa Bibens (Kenny) and their children, McKenzie and Tyler, granddaughter, Sasha Wilkerson (Josh) and their children, Blake, Chole, and Catie, granddaughter, Sheena Wilkerson (Caleb) and their children, Kinsey and Preston.
Don was grandpa to so many, Allie Jo, Tia, Taydie, Harlie, Andrew, R.J., and Braxton. He was so proud to be a great grandpa, as long as he didn’t have to change diapers or keep them overnight.
Don is also survived by Dennis and Theresa Freeman of Republic, Troy and Ann Freeman of Mountain Grove, Bonnie Freeman of Ozark, Sherry Miller of Ozark, Clay and Marsha Freeman of Norwood, beloved sister-in-law, Linda Sue Freeman, many nieces and nephews, and other family and friends who will miss his corky humor.
