Billy Freeman

Services for Billy Wayne Freeman, 78, of Hale Center, TX, were held at 11:00 am Saturday, January 3, 2009, in the Hale Center First United Methodist Church with Rev. Jimmy Cameron and Rev. Carroll Green officiating. Burial followed in the Hale Center Cemetery under the direction of Abell Funeral Home & Flower Shop of Hale Center, TX. Mr. Freeman died at his home, Wednesday, December 31, 2008. He was born May 26, 1930 in Crosbyton, TX, where he was graduated from Crosbyton High School in 1947. He worked as a carpenter with Charles Freeman until going into the United States Navy from 1950 until 1954. He served in the Korean War and was stationed on board the USSHA Bass and the LSMR 517. He married Arleen Beaty on February 13, 1955 in Clovis, NM. He attended Gupton-Jones Mortuary College and graduated in 1957. They moved to Hale Center in 1962 and owned and operated Freeman Funeral Home until retiring in 1997 when he and his wife sold the funeral home to the Abell's . He was active in the community, serving on the Hale Center City Council, Chamber of Commerce, the Hale Center Housing Authority, he served on the Board of Directors of the Lions Club, he was President of the West Texas Funeral Directors Association, Hale County Farm and Ranch Museum, Band Booster Club and the Owl Booster Club. Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Arleen Freeman on March 6, 2002. He is survived by a son, Gerald Freeman of Houston, TX, 2 daughters, Elaine Barrett and husband Darryl of Hale Center, TX and Suzy Calderon of Dimmitt, TX. He is also survived by 4 grandchildren, Amy Penprase and husband Jon of Ada, OK, Casey Barrett and wife Kaley of New Braunfels, TX, Logan Pillow of Dimmitt, TX and Kolby Pillow of Hart, TX, 3 great granddaughters, Abby and Anne Penprase and Rylee Kate Barrett. The family suggests memorials be sent to the First United Methodist Church, 202 W. Stevenson, Hale Center, TX 79041 or to a favorite charity.