Wilbur A. Freeman, Jr.

Wilbur A. Freeman, Jr., 74, passed away peacefully at home at 5:20 am Thursday, April 8, 2021. He was born December 27, 1946 in Indianapolis, IN to the late Wilbur A. and Ouida “Juanita” (Ryan) Freeman.

On October 28, 1967 in Indianapolis, Wilbur married the former Jacquelyn Harvey, who preceded him in death on June 30, 2015 after 47 years of marriage. He was also preceded by two sisters, Deanna Shannon and Rebecca Freeman; and three brothers, Jonathan, Anson, and Phillip Freeman.

Wilbur served his country honorably in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was employed as an air traffic system specialist with the FAA for 46 years before retiring on December 31, 2012. Wilbur also was the former President of the Astronomy Club and coached his boys’ youth soccer teams. He was a proud supporter of the Indiana Sheriff’s Association and FOP. Wilbur and Jacquelyn moved to the South Bend area in 1986 coming from Lafayette, IN.

Wilbur was a handyman, and would spend his time tinkering with computers and other electronics.  Wilbur was always willing to lend a hand, and got great joy out of helping others, whether through generous donations or simply assisting with various tasks.  He was a fan of monster trucks, in particular one called Big Foot.  He designed one of his own cars to resemble Big Foot and even built a model of it.

Wilbur is survived by his sons, Kyle (Dewi) Freeman of Danbury, CT and Ryan (Rachel) Freeman of South Bend; and grandchildren, Ean, Karmela, Brandon, Nathan, Noah and Aiden Freeman. Additionally, he is survived by sisters, Cheryl Jones and Angela Freeman; brothers, Arthur, Dana (Debbie), Mark (Trish) and Daniel (Rosalyn) Freeman; former daughter-in-law, Evangeline Diaz; as well as a very large extended family.

Funeral services for Mr. Freeman will be held at 12 PM on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 in the Palmer Funeral Home – Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, where friends may visit with the family from 10 AM until the time of the service. Military graveside services and burial will follow in Southlawn Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Wilbur may be donated to the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati, 4623 Wesley Avenue, Suite A, Cincinnati OH 45212, Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka KS 66675, or Heart to Heart Hospice, 620 Edison Road, Suite 122, Mishawaka IN 46545.

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