Joseph Larry Freeman

Date of birth  - August 21, 1940

Date of death  - May 24, 2023

Joseph Larry Freeman was born on August 21, 1940, near Davis City, Iowa to Joseph Francis and Violet Davis Freeman. Joseph died May 24, 2023, at his home in Gold Hill-Sam's Valley, Oregon with his wife at his side.

At one year old, Joseph's family settled near Molalla, Oregon where he attended grade and high school. He served his country as a BT aboard the Navy Destroyer "Chevalier". Joe returned to Oregon and, on December 28, 1963, married Gail Caswell. Three sons were born to this union.

Joe graduated from DeVry Tech and, over the years, worked for Boeing, Western Electric, and Eastman Kodak from which he retired after twenty plus years. His work took him throughout the West Coast and across the country.

In retirement, Joe loved living in the forest, enjoying the wildlife and using his chain saw and being on his tractor with his Rat Terrier, Nico, at his side. He and Gail travelled the nation in their motorhome and enjoyed international travel as well. Joe was instrumental in creating the grotto at St Rita Retreat, volunteering there and at St Vincent de Paul and helping neighbors and friends.

Joseph was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith and, in 1998, he committed himself to the Order of Saint Augustine and followed the Augustinian "Rule" as a Third Order member the rest of his life.

Joseph is survived by his wife Gail, sons John (Kaori), Ray (Brenda) and Larry (Tami), and grandchildren Jareth, Alexandra, Darian, Evan, Grant and Chelsea.

A funeral Mass is being celebrated at 11:00 am on Tues., June 7, at Our Lady of the River Catholic Church, 3625 North River Rd., Gold Hill, Oregon with burial to follow at 3:00 pm at Eagle Point National Cemetery, 2763 Riley Rd., Eagle Point, Oregon.

Memorial donations maybe made to St Rita Retreat, PO Box 310, Gold Hill, OR 97525.