Lynn Arnold Freeman
Feb. 6, 1923 – Mar. 11, 2017
Resident of Concord, CA

Lynn was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. He passed away at home in Concord at the age of 94.

What Lynn did during the 94 years made him a remarkable man. His strength of character and humility was shaped by his military service. He was a genuine war hero by any definition and loved his country. He served as an active duty army officer for 25 years, seeing combat in Europe during World War II and later in Korea; earning two Bronze stars, two Purple Hearts and two Combat Infantryman's badges. He retired from the service as a Lt. Colonel in 1966.

He loved two women in his life, both named Dorothy. He was married to Dorothy (Dor) Thomson from 1949 until her death in 1992. He and Dor raised three daughters: Darcy (Keith) Johnson, Leslie Freeman, and Carol (Bill) Sorrell. They provided him with seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. In 1994 he met Dorothy (Dasha) Zablocki and began a new life chapter with her. He and Dasha were together for 23 years.

Lynn's immediate and extended family were important to him and he was there to offer fatherly advice and assistance when asked. The family settled in Concord when he retired from the Army and in 1968 began his second career, working for Contra Costa County. He retired for good in 1985 after 18 years with the county. His 30 years of retirement included lots of golf, bridge and travel. He was an avid coin and stamp collector and enjoyed many hours organizing his collections. Retirement also saw him involved with the Retired Officers Association and Sons In Retirement. It also gave Lynn the time to be actively involved in the upbringing of the grandchildren.

Lynn began his college education at the University of Oregon in 1941 and although he finished at the University of Nebraska, he maintained a lifelong allegiance to the Ducks. Dasha was by his side loving and caring for him until the end. The family credits her with keeping him with us the last several years. He is survived and will be missed by Dasha, his daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as other extended family and many, many friends.

He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors at a later date. The family requests any donations be made to Fisher House.



Published in East Bay Times on Mar. 31, 2017