John Paul Freeman, Jr., 87, of Greenwood, Arkansas passed away Wednesday, March 5, 2025 in a Fort Smith hospital. He was born October 28, 1937 in Paris, Arkansas to John Paul, Sr. and Wanda (Richie) Freeman. He was retired from Trane, a ham radio operator (W5HOT), member of the Fort Smith Bass Club for many years and a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War.
To say John Paul was a character, would be an understatement. Whether referring to him as John, JP, Dad, or Poppa Johnny all that called his name, knew that the interaction would be memorable in some way. He loved a good Western. So, it is appropriate to describe him, that he was a lot like Clint Eastwood's characters, quick-witted, calculated, knowledgeable, tough, and opinionated. He also operated like one ply John Wayne toilet paper sometimes, because he wasn’t going to take much off anyone. In reality, deep down, he was a softie especially when it came to his wife, Gayle. She stood by him from the start and later lovingly cared for him when his health had worsened. Despite any health setbacks over the years, he still plugged along like the Burgess Meredith character in “Grumpy Old Men.” He loved the outdoors especially camping, hunting, fishing, and boating. One quickly knew if you went out on his boat and dared to tube or ski behind it, that you had probably taken your life in your hands and would likely regret that choice. Not much gave him more pleasure than sending you tumbling with the throttle wide open.
Thru it all, he stuck to his vices despite the warnings of doctors to change his diet and smoking. He operated on his terms much like he did with his television in his house. In the end, he completed the dash on his lifeline in those terms written in a way and style that only he knew how to do it. His dash from birth to his passing was full of love, laughter, and experiences. If you did not have the pleasure of knowing him, you missed out on an opportunity to fill your own dash with him being a part of your own life experiences. He was deeply loved and he will be missed in more ways than these words can do justice for.
He is survived by his wife, Gayle Freeman; two sons, John Paul Freeman, III and wife, Cindy and Michael Paul Freeman and wife, Crystal; five daughters, Elizabeth Jane Allen and husband, Buddy, Patricia Ann McNeel, Charlotte Marie Comiskey and husband, Michael, Amy Lynn Bland and husband, Denny and Jenny Marie Sikes and husband, Brian; one brother, Ed Freeman and wife, Joanne; eighteen grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
Graveside service will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 11 at the Fort Smith National Cemetery under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood. Viewing will be Monday from 1 – 7 p.m. at the funeral home, where the family will visit with friends from 5 – 7 p.m.
Pallbearers will be Seth Bland, Cooper Bland, Jaxon Sikes, David Freeman and Timothy Sikes.
To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit www.mcconnellfh.com.
