John Lee Freeman, 82, a longtime De Soto resident, died Aug. 5, 2020, at his home. A staunch believer in the power of education, Mr. Freeman spent his lifetime teaching, leading and influencing the future of K-12 education in Missouri. He earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northeast Louisiana State University and received a PhD from St. Louis University. He began his teaching career in Lesterville, then moved to De Soto, where he spent the next 29 years as a teacher, coach and assistant superintendent. After retirement, he became dean of education at Missouri Baptist University in St. Louis where he was a leader in shaping the future of teacher education. He was a longtime, faithful member of the First Baptist Church of De Soto. After retirement, he dedicated himself to his community by volunteering with the local food pantry and the De Soto chapter of Rotary International. Mr. Freeman also was an active member of De Soto P.R.I.D.E. and served several terms on the De Soto Board of Education. Born in Iron Mountain, he was the son of the late Glen and Irene (Gross) Freeman.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years: Arlena Sue (Norton) Freeman; two children: Martha Freeman (Tom Butzen) and Kathy Langdon; three grandchildren: Jenna Freeman, Samantha Lee and Brendan Lee; two great-grandchildren: Lani and Lila; seven siblings: Vernon (Gaye) Freeman of Irving, Texas, Margaret Freeman of Joplin, Glenda Johnson of Festus, Ray (Martha) Freeman of Benton, Ark., Jerry (Donna) Freeman of Farmington, Sara Edmundson of Hillsboro and Elaine (Dennis) Gannon of De Soto; a sister-in-law: Frances (Howard) Clark of St. Charles; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by two brothers: Wayne Freeman and Jack (Erleen) Freeman; and a sister: June Ann (Joe) Blanton.
A memorial service was held Aug. 8 at Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home in De Soto. Memorials may be made to the De Soto Food Pantry, the De Soto Rotary Club, De Soto Contact or First Baptist Church of De Soto. Arrangements were under the direction of Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home.