Saturday, February 27, 2016

Obituary -- Herbert Gay Freeman 1924-2016

Herbert Gay Freeman was born in Worth County near Sheridan, Missouri, to Lucy (Downing) Freeman and Howard Freeman on December 29, 1924. Herb had been a resident for one week at Villisca Good Samaritan Society Nursing Home where he passed away on Wednesday, February, 24, 2016.

Herb attended country school in Mills County, Iowa, and graduated from Henderson High School in 1942. Herb helped his father farm until joining the Navy in 1944. The “Gilbert Island” aircraft carrier was the ship Herb served on until the end of World War II and was honorably discharged in 1946.
Herb met Martha on the “New Era” dance floor in 1947 and they were married on December 24, 1948. To this union one son, Michael Howard, was born.

Herb was employed by the Gravity Implement Company until it closed and then worked for Taylor County Secondary Roads Department as a shop mechanic for 30 years before retiring in 1986. He knew every road in Taylor County.

Herb and Martha lived in Gravity, Iowa, from 1947 through 1995 until moving to Villisca, Iowa. Herb was a life time member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post #8998 of Villisca, Iowa. He was also a member of the American Legion, Post #0578.

One of Herb’s hobbies was building bird houses from lumber retrieved from his parents’ farm buildings and giving them to family members. He also, enjoyed helping son, Mike and others, around the farm. Herb was a great family man and loved to visit with everyone. He enjoyed picking on nephews and nieces through the years. He dearly loved his grand kids and always asked about them between visits. Getting to see his great-granddaughters always brought a smile to his face and special attention was paid to them.

Herb enjoyed Lee coming to do some carpentry work for him and was proud of his job as a full-time Creston fireman. He knew Lee liked that job!

Herb enjoyed the visits with Angela and family. He was glad to see where Angie worked and learned of all her responsibilities at Honey Creek Resort. It is a good place to work. Angie brought a lot of good laughs growing up. Herb loved her humor and knows it will be passed on to her girls.

Preceding Herb in death were his parents, Howard and Lucy Freeman; brothers, Wade, Don and Richard; sister, Vera Harper. Surviving Herb are his wife, Martha of 67 years; son, Mike and wife Kathy of Villisca, Iowa; granddaughter, Angela (Shaun) Wubben of Moravia, Iowa; grandson, Lee (Shawna) Freeman of Creston, Iowa; two great-granddaughters, Ivy and Eva Wubben; sister, Vivian (Howard) Bailey of St. Joe, Missouri; sisters-in-law, Shirley Freeman of Clarinda, Marty Freeman of Council Bluffs and Barb Freeman of Clarinda. Herb will be missed by many nieces, nephews and friends. 

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