Brig. Gen. Richard C. Freeman, USAF, Ret.

Born to Preston and Ethel Freeman on April 26, 1928, in Ralston, Oklahoma, Richard Clair "Dick" Freeman was always industrious. Dick and his brothers James and David had a paper route that contributed to the family income and also allowed Dick, at age 16, to fulfill his dream of learning to fly. A graduate of Enid High School, he earned a football scholarship to Cameron University.

As an Air Force pilot training in Houston, he ran headfirst into a little hurricane named Gwendolyn Ann Hayes�the love of his life. Married on September 21, 1951, they embarked on a 63-year adventure, which focused primarily on their children, Michael, Melodie, Mitchael, Melissa, and Marla. In 1970, Dick and Gwyn became the guardians for Skip, Victoria, Keela, Kimberly, and Kola Stow, after their father, Major L.R. Stow, was killed in Viet Nam, and their mother, Norma Stow, passed away. In 1975, Dick and Gwyn sponsored three more children, Hoa Le, Minh Nguyen, and Van Nguyen. Dick considered all 13 kids as his own. Spouses and 33 grandchildren were added to the clan, and�so far�31 great-grandchildren. Dick spent time every week praying for each one. His family will deeply miss his presence.

Dick and Gwyn made their home in Tulsa, where Dick was a top national salesman of Beechcraft airplanes. His entrepreneurial spirit also led him to other pursuits. He received a Governor's Commendation after obtaining an environmental work-out of a manufacturing plant in Louisiana, putting 400 laid-off workers back to work. Dick and his sons and son-in-law Chad Boss invented and obtained a patent for the then-novel technology of transferring video over cellular connections, for which they also won Emmy Awards. Dick was active in Republican politics.

Simultaneously, Dick rose through the ranks in the 125th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 138th Tactical Fighter Wing of the Oklahoma Air National Guard. He flew transport missions to Southeast Asia and lead jet warfare readiness missions. He declined several promotions over the years so he could keep flying. He became a Brigadier General, served as the Commander of the Pilot's Wing of the Tulsa Air National Guard, and served a term as Adjutant General for the Governor on the State Staff. He loved his brothers in arms.

A faithful member of several Baptist churches, Dick served as a Deacon and a Sunday School teacher. He and Gwyn were personally invested in missions and also provided support and encouragement to missionaries around the globe.

Dick was an eternal optimist. He worked harder than anyone. He loved to joke and had a quick wit. Despite his many accomplishments, he was a humble man.

At the core of Richard Freeman's life was his faith in Christ. As a direct result, he believed in service and sacrifice: to God, to family, to country, and to those in need. He started and finished strong. He completed his mission. His was truly a well-lived life.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, November 18th in the Moore's Eastlawn Chapel.

A funeral service will be held in his honor at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, November 19th at the First Baptist Church of Sapulpa.

A graveside service with full military honors will be held at 12:00 Noon Thursday, November 20th at the Fort Gibson National Cemetery in Fort Gibson, OK.

Services entrusted to Moore's Eastlawn Chapel, 918-622-1155.