Donald Lee Freeman
19 May 1942 – 18 Sep 2021
The young pine knows the secrets of the ground; the old pine knows the mystery of the stars.
Donald Lee Freeman of Beaverton passed away at the MidMichigan Medical Center – Midland on Saturday, September 18, 2021. He spent one week in the hospital upon sustaining injury and illness following unexpected falls at home. It is our belief that Don left his earthly life just in time to spiritually attend the wedding of his granddaughter which took place on the very land he cultivated and sowed starting in 1965.
Don was born on May 19, 1942 to Harold and Gladys Freeman. He is the brother of Rosemary (Harold) Phillips and was predeceased by his brother, Jim (Carol) Freeman. He had many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. He was close to brother-in-law, Bruce Cassaday.
Don attended Beaverton Schools and graduated in 1960. There was a long-standing bet with his high school best friend, Mick Broka, as to which one of them was the last ranking student in their class and which one of them was second to the last. We never determined the outcome of that bet. He was a major player on the varsity football team when he was moved up as a freshman and he was voted "best dressed" of his class when he was a senior. He was not much for the books, but all in for other things.
He met Connie Cassaday of Hope, Michigan in 1957 when his brother, Jim was dating her sister, Carol. We are told that the Freeman boys from Beaverton would borrow any of their buddies' cars (and maybe even a tractor or two) to make the drive to see the Cassaday girls of Hope. Both couples were ultimately wed.
Don and Connie were married February 8, 1964, and danced as husband and wife on dance floors for every special event they ever attended for 57 years. Their ability to lead and follow one another and to both dance and live in sync was known and envied by all. You didn't need to know them well to see how very deeply they loved and respected one another. Don took great pride in their daily walks together, their commitment to staying fit, and how good they looked as a couple.
They had three children, Kim (Mike) Shea, Lori (Ron) Fischer, and Joel Freeman. Don was fiercely proud of his grandchildren, Cassaday (Taran) Longstreth, Kennedy (Cody) Cripps, Clarity (Seth) Gerow, Century Shea, Ashley (Dan) Wright, and Ronnie Fischer. He adored his great-grandchildren, Gibson and Joanna Longstreth. If you knew Don, you probably knew more than you ever wanted to know about the many accomplishments of his grandchildren.
As a kid, Don held a part-time job working for Herb and Odie at Peterson Nursery. It was there that he gained the experience and knowledge that he would use the rest of his life. After attending Barber School after high school with his best friend, Frank Licata, he then served as a barber in a Beaverton shop for several years. In 1965, Don returned to his roots, bought the 37-acre nursery from the Petersons and replaced the sign on the corner with a hand-painted piece of wood that read "Freeman Nursery." Don spent the next 31 years growing all things green and drawing landscape designs with a stick in the dirt. He spent many of those years at the side of his right-hand man, Russ Longstreth. Don believed that all rows should be straight and all bad weeds kept out. Upon Don's retirement, Kim and Mike Shea took over the farm and Lori and Joel continue to work there as they carry on the legacy that Don planted so many years ago.
Don also enjoyed politics and served as a Gladwin County Commissioner for eight years before being elected Supervisor of Tobacco Township. Throughout his political tenure, Don remained true to his platform, whatever it may be. He believed in the philosophy that "There is no way to afford providing services at this level. They either need to watch what they spend or they will have to raise taxes." He usually landed on the "watch what you spend" side of things. He loved to debate and was good at it. He once was quoted in a Midland Daily News article, "I really enjoy it when it gets hot and heavy." He formed great friendships with his political allies, including Adolph Presidio and Keith Edick.
Don was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed all game hunting, especially deer, fox, and pheasant. He loved the comradery of the sport and enjoyed time spent with his hunting friends including Charlie Miller and Guerdon Schumacher and ice fishing partner, Charlie Brubaker. He loved to travel and his copilot was always the same. He and Connie traveled by motorcycle, truck, and car and hit most of the United States throughout their travels. He loved the warm weather and the beach and he and Connie spent many winters over the years in sunny Florida.
He enjoyed flipping houses and vehicles. Most spring seasons they would return home with something new; a car, truck, or camper. Don was always up for a road trip right up to his final days. He was not one to sit still or stay in the same place for long. There was always somewhere to go and he was ready to get there. This is why we know the ending to his earthly life was exactly as he would have wanted it, unexpected, fast, and on his terms.
Everywhere he went, he had to get there now. We barely had time to say good-bye. This is also true of his final journey. But as with all of his trips, he will get there, and when he does, that place will be greener because he is there keeping all rows straight and all bad weeds out.
A celebration of life is being planned for May 19, 2022, (Don's 80th birthday). In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Operation Smile Organization which provides free cleft surgeries and speech therapies for children born with a cleft lip or palate. You may make a donation in Don's name by calling 888-677-6453 or visiting www.operationsmile.org.
Written by daughter, Kim Shea.
Smith-Miner Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Freeman family; to share a special memory or message, please visit www.smithminor.com.
Published by Gladwin County Record and Beaverton Clarion from Sep. 22 to Sep. 29, 2021.
19 May 1942 – 18 Sep 2021
The young pine knows the secrets of the ground; the old pine knows the mystery of the stars.
Donald Lee Freeman of Beaverton passed away at the MidMichigan Medical Center – Midland on Saturday, September 18, 2021. He spent one week in the hospital upon sustaining injury and illness following unexpected falls at home. It is our belief that Don left his earthly life just in time to spiritually attend the wedding of his granddaughter which took place on the very land he cultivated and sowed starting in 1965.
Don was born on May 19, 1942 to Harold and Gladys Freeman. He is the brother of Rosemary (Harold) Phillips and was predeceased by his brother, Jim (Carol) Freeman. He had many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. He was close to brother-in-law, Bruce Cassaday.
Don attended Beaverton Schools and graduated in 1960. There was a long-standing bet with his high school best friend, Mick Broka, as to which one of them was the last ranking student in their class and which one of them was second to the last. We never determined the outcome of that bet. He was a major player on the varsity football team when he was moved up as a freshman and he was voted "best dressed" of his class when he was a senior. He was not much for the books, but all in for other things.
He met Connie Cassaday of Hope, Michigan in 1957 when his brother, Jim was dating her sister, Carol. We are told that the Freeman boys from Beaverton would borrow any of their buddies' cars (and maybe even a tractor or two) to make the drive to see the Cassaday girls of Hope. Both couples were ultimately wed.
Don and Connie were married February 8, 1964, and danced as husband and wife on dance floors for every special event they ever attended for 57 years. Their ability to lead and follow one another and to both dance and live in sync was known and envied by all. You didn't need to know them well to see how very deeply they loved and respected one another. Don took great pride in their daily walks together, their commitment to staying fit, and how good they looked as a couple.
They had three children, Kim (Mike) Shea, Lori (Ron) Fischer, and Joel Freeman. Don was fiercely proud of his grandchildren, Cassaday (Taran) Longstreth, Kennedy (Cody) Cripps, Clarity (Seth) Gerow, Century Shea, Ashley (Dan) Wright, and Ronnie Fischer. He adored his great-grandchildren, Gibson and Joanna Longstreth. If you knew Don, you probably knew more than you ever wanted to know about the many accomplishments of his grandchildren.
As a kid, Don held a part-time job working for Herb and Odie at Peterson Nursery. It was there that he gained the experience and knowledge that he would use the rest of his life. After attending Barber School after high school with his best friend, Frank Licata, he then served as a barber in a Beaverton shop for several years. In 1965, Don returned to his roots, bought the 37-acre nursery from the Petersons and replaced the sign on the corner with a hand-painted piece of wood that read "Freeman Nursery." Don spent the next 31 years growing all things green and drawing landscape designs with a stick in the dirt. He spent many of those years at the side of his right-hand man, Russ Longstreth. Don believed that all rows should be straight and all bad weeds kept out. Upon Don's retirement, Kim and Mike Shea took over the farm and Lori and Joel continue to work there as they carry on the legacy that Don planted so many years ago.
Don also enjoyed politics and served as a Gladwin County Commissioner for eight years before being elected Supervisor of Tobacco Township. Throughout his political tenure, Don remained true to his platform, whatever it may be. He believed in the philosophy that "There is no way to afford providing services at this level. They either need to watch what they spend or they will have to raise taxes." He usually landed on the "watch what you spend" side of things. He loved to debate and was good at it. He once was quoted in a Midland Daily News article, "I really enjoy it when it gets hot and heavy." He formed great friendships with his political allies, including Adolph Presidio and Keith Edick.
Don was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed all game hunting, especially deer, fox, and pheasant. He loved the comradery of the sport and enjoyed time spent with his hunting friends including Charlie Miller and Guerdon Schumacher and ice fishing partner, Charlie Brubaker. He loved to travel and his copilot was always the same. He and Connie traveled by motorcycle, truck, and car and hit most of the United States throughout their travels. He loved the warm weather and the beach and he and Connie spent many winters over the years in sunny Florida.
He enjoyed flipping houses and vehicles. Most spring seasons they would return home with something new; a car, truck, or camper. Don was always up for a road trip right up to his final days. He was not one to sit still or stay in the same place for long. There was always somewhere to go and he was ready to get there. This is why we know the ending to his earthly life was exactly as he would have wanted it, unexpected, fast, and on his terms.
Everywhere he went, he had to get there now. We barely had time to say good-bye. This is also true of his final journey. But as with all of his trips, he will get there, and when he does, that place will be greener because he is there keeping all rows straight and all bad weeds out.
A celebration of life is being planned for May 19, 2022, (Don's 80th birthday). In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Operation Smile Organization which provides free cleft surgeries and speech therapies for children born with a cleft lip or palate. You may make a donation in Don's name by calling 888-677-6453 or visiting www.operationsmile.org.
Written by daughter, Kim Shea.
Smith-Miner Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Freeman family; to share a special memory or message, please visit www.smithminor.com.
Published by Gladwin County Record and Beaverton Clarion from Sep. 22 to Sep. 29, 2021.
Donald Lee Freeman
19 May 1942 – 18 Sep 2021
The young pine knows the secrets of the ground; the old pine knows the mystery of the stars.
Donald Lee Freeman of Beaverton passed away at the MidMichigan Medical Center – Midland on Saturday, September 18, 2021. He spent one week in the hospital upon sustaining injury and illness following unexpected falls at home. It is our belief that Don left his earthly life just in time to spiritually attend the wedding of his granddaughter which took place on the very land he cultivated and sowed starting in 1965.
Don was born on May 19, 1942 to Harold and Gladys Freeman. He is the brother of Rosemary (Harold) Phillips and was predeceased by his brother, Jim (Carol) Freeman. He had many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. He was close to brother-in-law, Bruce Cassaday.
Don attended Beaverton Schools and graduated in 1960. There was a long-standing bet with his high school best friend, Mick Broka, as to which one of them was the last ranking student in their class and which one of them was second to the last. We never determined the outcome of that bet. He was a major player on the varsity football team when he was moved up as a freshman and he was voted "best dressed" of his class when he was a senior. He was not much for the books, but all in for other things.
He met Connie Cassaday of Hope, Michigan in 1957 when his brother, Jim was dating her sister, Carol. We are told that the Freeman boys from Beaverton would borrow any of their buddies' cars (and maybe even a tractor or two) to make the drive to see the Cassaday girls of Hope. Both couples were ultimately wed.
Don and Connie were married February 8, 1964, and danced as husband and wife on dance floors for every special event they ever attended for 57 years. Their ability to lead and follow one another and to both dance and live in sync was known and envied by all. You didn't need to know them well to see how very deeply they loved and respected one another. Don took great pride in their daily walks together, their commitment to staying fit, and how good they looked as a couple.
They had three children, Kim (Mike) Shea, Lori (Ron) Fischer, and Joel Freeman. Don was fiercely proud of his grandchildren, Cassaday (Taran) Longstreth, Kennedy (Cody) Cripps, Clarity (Seth) Gerow, Century Shea, Ashley (Dan) Wright, and Ronnie Fischer. He adored his great-grandchildren, Gibson and Joanna Longstreth. If you knew Don, you probably knew more than you ever wanted to know about the many accomplishments of his grandchildren.
As a kid, Don held a part-time job working for Herb and Odie at Peterson Nursery. It was there that he gained the experience and knowledge that he would use the rest of his life. After attending Barber School after high school with his best friend, Frank Licata, he then served as a barber in a Beaverton shop for several years. In 1965, Don returned to his roots, bought the 37-acre nursery from the Petersons and replaced the sign on the corner with a hand-painted piece of wood that read "Freeman Nursery." Don spent the next 31 years growing all things green and drawing landscape designs with a stick in the dirt. He spent many of those years at the side of his right-hand man, Russ Longstreth. Don believed that all rows should be straight and all bad weeds kept out. Upon Don's retirement, Kim and Mike Shea took over the farm and Lori and Joel continue to work there as they carry on the legacy that Don planted so many years ago.
Don also enjoyed politics and served as a Gladwin County Commissioner for eight years before being elected Supervisor of Tobacco Township. Throughout his political tenure, Don remained true to his platform, whatever it may be. He believed in the philosophy that "There is no way to afford providing services at this level. They either need to watch what they spend or they will have to raise taxes." He usually landed on the "watch what you spend" side of things. He loved to debate and was good at it. He once was quoted in a Midland Daily News article, "I really enjoy it when it gets hot and heavy." He formed great friendships with his political allies, including Adolph Presidio and Keith Edick.
Don was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed all game hunting, especially deer, fox, and pheasant. He loved the comradery of the sport and enjoyed time spent with his hunting friends including Charlie Miller and Guerdon Schumacher and ice fishing partner, Charlie Brubaker. He loved to travel and his copilot was always the same. He and Connie traveled by motorcycle, truck, and car and hit most of the United States throughout their travels. He loved the warm weather and the beach and he and Connie spent many winters over the years in sunny Florida.
He enjoyed flipping houses and vehicles. Most spring seasons they would return home with something new; a car, truck, or camper. Don was always up for a road trip right up to his final days. He was not one to sit still or stay in the same place for long. There was always somewhere to go and he was ready to get there. This is why we know the ending to his earthly life was exactly as he would have wanted it, unexpected, fast, and on his terms.
Everywhere he went, he had to get there now. We barely had time to say good-bye. This is also true of his final journey. But as with all of his trips, he will get there, and when he does, that place will be greener because he is there keeping all rows straight and all bad weeds out.
A celebration of life is being planned for May 19, 2022, (Don's 80th birthday). In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Operation Smile Organization which provides free cleft surgeries and speech therapies for children born with a cleft lip or palate. You may make a donation in Don's name by calling 888-677-6453 or visiting www.operationsmile.org.
Written by daughter, Kim Shea.
Smith-Miner Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Freeman family; to share a special memory or message, please visit www.smithminor.com.
Published by Gladwin County Record and Beaverton Clarion from Sep. 22 to Sep. 29, 2021.
19 May 1942 – 18 Sep 2021
The young pine knows the secrets of the ground; the old pine knows the mystery of the stars.
Donald Lee Freeman of Beaverton passed away at the MidMichigan Medical Center – Midland on Saturday, September 18, 2021. He spent one week in the hospital upon sustaining injury and illness following unexpected falls at home. It is our belief that Don left his earthly life just in time to spiritually attend the wedding of his granddaughter which took place on the very land he cultivated and sowed starting in 1965.
Don was born on May 19, 1942 to Harold and Gladys Freeman. He is the brother of Rosemary (Harold) Phillips and was predeceased by his brother, Jim (Carol) Freeman. He had many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. He was close to brother-in-law, Bruce Cassaday.
Don attended Beaverton Schools and graduated in 1960. There was a long-standing bet with his high school best friend, Mick Broka, as to which one of them was the last ranking student in their class and which one of them was second to the last. We never determined the outcome of that bet. He was a major player on the varsity football team when he was moved up as a freshman and he was voted "best dressed" of his class when he was a senior. He was not much for the books, but all in for other things.
He met Connie Cassaday of Hope, Michigan in 1957 when his brother, Jim was dating her sister, Carol. We are told that the Freeman boys from Beaverton would borrow any of their buddies' cars (and maybe even a tractor or two) to make the drive to see the Cassaday girls of Hope. Both couples were ultimately wed.
Don and Connie were married February 8, 1964, and danced as husband and wife on dance floors for every special event they ever attended for 57 years. Their ability to lead and follow one another and to both dance and live in sync was known and envied by all. You didn't need to know them well to see how very deeply they loved and respected one another. Don took great pride in their daily walks together, their commitment to staying fit, and how good they looked as a couple.
They had three children, Kim (Mike) Shea, Lori (Ron) Fischer, and Joel Freeman. Don was fiercely proud of his grandchildren, Cassaday (Taran) Longstreth, Kennedy (Cody) Cripps, Clarity (Seth) Gerow, Century Shea, Ashley (Dan) Wright, and Ronnie Fischer. He adored his great-grandchildren, Gibson and Joanna Longstreth. If you knew Don, you probably knew more than you ever wanted to know about the many accomplishments of his grandchildren.
As a kid, Don held a part-time job working for Herb and Odie at Peterson Nursery. It was there that he gained the experience and knowledge that he would use the rest of his life. After attending Barber School after high school with his best friend, Frank Licata, he then served as a barber in a Beaverton shop for several years. In 1965, Don returned to his roots, bought the 37-acre nursery from the Petersons and replaced the sign on the corner with a hand-painted piece of wood that read "Freeman Nursery." Don spent the next 31 years growing all things green and drawing landscape designs with a stick in the dirt. He spent many of those years at the side of his right-hand man, Russ Longstreth. Don believed that all rows should be straight and all bad weeds kept out. Upon Don's retirement, Kim and Mike Shea took over the farm and Lori and Joel continue to work there as they carry on the legacy that Don planted so many years ago.
Don also enjoyed politics and served as a Gladwin County Commissioner for eight years before being elected Supervisor of Tobacco Township. Throughout his political tenure, Don remained true to his platform, whatever it may be. He believed in the philosophy that "There is no way to afford providing services at this level. They either need to watch what they spend or they will have to raise taxes." He usually landed on the "watch what you spend" side of things. He loved to debate and was good at it. He once was quoted in a Midland Daily News article, "I really enjoy it when it gets hot and heavy." He formed great friendships with his political allies, including Adolph Presidio and Keith Edick.
Don was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed all game hunting, especially deer, fox, and pheasant. He loved the comradery of the sport and enjoyed time spent with his hunting friends including Charlie Miller and Guerdon Schumacher and ice fishing partner, Charlie Brubaker. He loved to travel and his copilot was always the same. He and Connie traveled by motorcycle, truck, and car and hit most of the United States throughout their travels. He loved the warm weather and the beach and he and Connie spent many winters over the years in sunny Florida.
He enjoyed flipping houses and vehicles. Most spring seasons they would return home with something new; a car, truck, or camper. Don was always up for a road trip right up to his final days. He was not one to sit still or stay in the same place for long. There was always somewhere to go and he was ready to get there. This is why we know the ending to his earthly life was exactly as he would have wanted it, unexpected, fast, and on his terms.
Everywhere he went, he had to get there now. We barely had time to say good-bye. This is also true of his final journey. But as with all of his trips, he will get there, and when he does, that place will be greener because he is there keeping all rows straight and all bad weeds out.
A celebration of life is being planned for May 19, 2022, (Don's 80th birthday). In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Operation Smile Organization which provides free cleft surgeries and speech therapies for children born with a cleft lip or palate. You may make a donation in Don's name by calling 888-677-6453 or visiting www.operationsmile.org.
Written by daughter, Kim Shea.
Smith-Miner Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Freeman family; to share a special memory or message, please visit www.smithminor.com.
Published by Gladwin County Record and Beaverton Clarion from Sep. 22 to Sep. 29, 2021.
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