John W. Freeman

John W. Freeman, son of Herschel John and Ima June (Wynn) Freeman, was born March 23, 1956 in Cabool, Missouri, and departed this life October 27, 2019 near Gainesville, Missouri. He was 63 years, 7 months, and 4 days of age.

John grew up in Springfield, Missouri and graduated with the Willard High School class of 1974. Growing up, John spent a lot of his summers helping his uncle, Eddie Freeman, on the farm. Following high school he went to the job force. He was united in marriage to Jackie Cannon on October 19, 1974. They were blessed with 45 wonderful years together calling each other “George”, and enjoying time together.

At the time of his passing, John was employed with United Poly Systems in Springfield, Missouri and enjoyed spending evenings after work visiting with his mother at her home in Springfield. While working there, he developed many friendships with co-workers.

John had many hobbies in life. He enjoyed playing basketball and coaching softball for many years. He also enjoyed cart riding, boating, and sports of all kinds, including throwing darts in Chuck's garage. His greatest joy in life was spending time with and watching his grandchildren play sports and spending time at the lake surrounded by his “lake family” and referred to it as his “happy place.”

John was a man of few words. He was a strong willed, but gentle soul and if he loved you he loved you with all of his heart. He loved and cherished his family and over the years made many special friends that he also thought of as family. He loved his girls and would sit for hours with them on his lap reading children’s books. John was so very proud of both his girls and they never got too big for his lap. They were, without a doubt, both “daddy’s girls.”

John was preceded in death by his father, Herschel John Freeman, an infant sister, Merribeth, one son-in-law, Dusty Kincaid, and one brother-in-law, James R. Cannon.

John is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Jackie Freeman of the home, one son, Jason Ferrebee of Mountain Grove, two daughters, Treshia Kincaid of Mountain Grove and Brittnee Byerley and husband, Matthew, of Mountain Grove, his mother, June Freeman of Springfield, Missouri, one sister, Debbie Whitehead and husband, Dane, of Bois D’Arc, Missouri, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jim and Lou Cannon of Mountain Grove, eight grandchildren, Payton Byerley, Brady Byerley, Addley Byerley, Colton Hensley, Shi Hensley, Harley Hensley, Jaxon Ferrebee, and Gavin Ferrebee, and a host of other relatives and friends who will miss him greatly.

If John were still here today you would hear him say, “load up!” And some of you know the rest…