Longtime De Soto educator John Lee Freeman will be remembered for his many contributions to the school district and the community, his family and friends said.
Mr. Freeman died Aug. 5 at age 82 at his De Soto home.
“He was, first and foremost, a wonderful husband and father and brother,” said State Rep. Elaine Gannon (R-De Soto), Mr. Freeman’s sister. “He loved his community and volunteered for so many things in De Soto – the De Soto Food Pantry, the De Soto Rotary Club and De Soto Contact. He loved his church, also, the First Baptist Church of De Soto. We’re going to miss him greatly.”
Gannon, who recently won the Republican primary election for state Senate District 3 and is unopposed in the November election, said she could always count on her brother to help her.
“He knocked on doors with me every day during my campaigns and was always interested in my elections,” she said. “Due to his illness, he was not able to help with my campaign for Senate District 3. One of the last things he wanted to know was if I’d won (the Aug. 4 primary). When he saw I had won, he gave a thumbs-up.”
De Soto Superintendent Josh Isaacson said Mr. Freeman, a member of the De Soto Board of Education from 2001 to 2014, made significant contributions to the school district and community.
“Dr. John Freeman was the most strategic contemplator I have ever had the privilege of knowing,” Isaacson said. “John would think about a topic for hours, days, and even weeks before providing a reply, which often resulted in additional questions. John and I started working on the concept of a Civic Center for the
De Soto community almost two years ago in an effort to make De Soto a better place to live for all. He will be dearly missed.”
Mr. Freeman worked as coach, teacher and administrator for the De Soto School District, which honored him by naming him a “Distinguished Friend,” Isaacson said.
“He was a true Dragon in all of his thoughts and actions,” Isaacson said.
His wife, Arlena Sue (Norton) Freeman, said Mr. Freeman, who had congestive heart failure and other health issues, died quickly at their home last week.
“It was a comfort to me he didn’t suffer and I know he’s in heaven,” she said.