Frederick James Freeman

Frederick “Fred” James Freeman made his last wildly inappropriate and sarcastic joke on June 5, 2016. Before his passing Fred forged an 89 year trail of laughter, love, gossip, generosity, compassion and wisdom. He will be greatly missed by everyone who ever ended up with a side stitch from laughing at one of his hysterical remarks.

Born in Niagara Falls, New York on April 19, 1927, he was the first person on either side of his family to be born in the United States.

Fred joined the United States Navy at 16 and fought as a Shipfitter Third Class in the Pacific throughout World War II.

He married the love of his life, Mary Irene Prudhomme, on December 31, 1949. Together they had three adoring and rowdy children. They were married for 59 years before she preceded him in death in 2008.

They moved to Colorado in 1959 and raised their family.

Fred loved to tell stories. You could be sure that 50% of every story was true, you just never knew which 50%. He grabbed the opportunity to laugh at every inappropriate opening and never learned the definition of “politically correct”. He was the best drinking buddy, and was always ready with a toast and a scotch. Fred could always be relied upon to turn any occasion into a party.

He adored playing the benevolent Grampa and resident cheer master for his nine grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren gave him the most pride, pleasure and no small amount of pain.

Fred was fiercely independent and loved a good road trip. He was known for just taking off and driving cross-country at the drop of a hat. You always had to be prepared just in case he arrived on your doorstep to visit.

In his twilight years, he was an avid bridge player, a member of a gin group and the most loyal customer of Village Inn on Arapahoe. His was a life well lived.

His life will be celebrated, remembered, and often repeated through tall tales by his loving sons and daughters in law, Paul and Connie Freeman, and, Tom and JoAnne Freeman, and devoted daughter Marsha Freeman. Grandchildren Paul Christopher Freeman and his wife Nora, Sarah Chess and her husband Eric, Nicole Wilson and her husband Terry, Rebecca Lively Oehlers and her husband Eric, Thomas Jacob Freeman and his wife Jamie, Mary Rachael Robertson and her husband Eric, Sandra Lively and her partner Keith, Michael Freeman, and John Freeman. 18 great-grandchildren and tons of loving nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of life will be held 2:00pm Wednesday June 8, 2016 at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary, 6601 S. Colorado Blvd, Centennial, CO 80121.