Manuel Freeman, 94, passed thru the Pearly Gates Jan. 7, 2017 at 9:00PM. Manuel was born Sep. 28, 1922 at Blanch, MO to his parents, Cecil and Lula (Tetrick) Freeman. Manuel received his elementary education in a 2 rm and 1 rm schools in Douglas and Ozark counties. He graduated from Dora High in 1942 and college from Springfield Teacher''s College (MSU) in 1949.

In Dec. 1942 Uncle Sam called him into service during WWII. On Feb. 26, 1943 he married his high school sweetheart, Geneva Thornton on a 3 day pass, thinking that when basic training was over there would be a furlough and they could spend some days together. But that didn''t happen. They didn''t see each other again for 2 years, 7 months and 1 day. There was a war to fight, and we won.

To this union 3 boys and 1 girl were born, Ron of Strafford, Don (Darlene) of Springfield, Tom (Patricia) of Okla. City and Connie Sue Ghan (Ron) of Springfield. These 4 gave Manuel and Geneva 11 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 4 great, great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Minnie Humphries and husband Jerry of Bristow, OK.

Manuel loved his family. They gave him much pride. He also loved the Lord and served Him faithfully teaching SS classes for 50 years and whatever else needed to be done. He was a very good example of Christian living. His family knew that on Sunday morning we were going to church.

Manuel was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Scott and his sister Lillie.

Funeral services will be at 11:00AM, Saturday, January 14, 2017 at the Walnut Lawn Church of God, with Rev. Johnny Phifer officiating. Burial will follow in White Chapel Memorial Gardens.

Manuel''s family will receive friends beginning at 10:00AM at the church. In lieu of flowers, they suggest memorial contributions to Walnut Lawn Church of God''s building fund.